Big Bear Fire Department gets new state-of-the-art fire truck
The Big Bear Fire Department is eagerly anticipating delivery of a new, state-of-the-art fire truck to replace a 23-year-old piece of apparatus, officials said.
After decades of services, the agency is planning to replace the 2001 E-ONE Ladder Truck currently designated Truck 281 with a new 2024 Pierce Ascendant 100' Heavy-Duty Aerial Tower, according to the agency and Pierce Manufacturing Inc. representatives.
"The new T-281 increases our pumping capacity from 1,750 to 2,000 gallons per minute, extends the 4-inch supply hose from 600 to 800-plus feet, and increases the flow of water from the top of the ladder from 1,000 to 2,000 gallons per minute," Big Bear fire officials said in a written statement. "All of these increased capabilities will allow us to suppress fire from a greater distance away from our hydrants."
The new truck is being purchased through the Big Bear Fire Authority's 3-year Fire Apparatus Replacement Plan, officials said. The acquisition of the new truck was approved in December 2021, and company officials confirmed the order had been placed in mid-2022.
The agency took advantage of "historic low interest rates" and bought the truck with developer impact fees and Big Bear Fire Department cash reserves, the statement said.
Big Bear's fire apparatus have not been replaced for 15 years, Capt. Norman Dykseston said in a statement at the time the agreement was first announced.
“Although San Bernardino County Fire is able to provide immediate assistance should mutual aid become necessary, one of the biggest challenges Big Bear Fire Department faces is significant additional resources are farther away," according to the captain. "The next closest community is 25 miles from us. The commute on mountain highways makes accessibility to critical equipment particularly important for our crew."
Fire officials promised more details on the new truck in the week to come.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Big Bear Fire Department gets new state-of-the-art fire truck
