2010 Interface Fire Engine
Coming in the Spring of 2011
The Drakes Crossing Fire District received a grant from the
Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, in April 2010 for the purchase of a specialized Interface fire engine. This fire engine
was purchased for 15 cents on the dollar as a part of the highly competitive Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program after
several years of trying.
An
Interface fire engine is a specialized fire engine. First off it is 4x4 and has a shorter wheel base when compared to standard
fire engines. This engine will have the ability to pump water while driving, a task many standard fire engines cannot do as
their drive wheel are disabled when the pump is placed into gear. Being able to pump water and drive at the same time is beneficial
to fighting field fires, and allows us to begin putting water on fires before we have even set the parking brake. The interface
fire engine will carry around 750 gallons of water to make it lighter when running off road, but still enough water to pack
a punch.
Currently the Interface
is is the bidding stage, with bid packages due on July 22nd. We hope to begin the building process before September 1st so
that we can allow 6 months for the building to take place before placing the unit into service next April.
