The Victor Fire Department recently received a very nice surprise. They were expecting a ‘newer’ wildland fire truck to replace their 1996 model. Much to the surprise of almost the entire department, they received a brand new 2015 Dodge Ram 5500 from the Department of Natural Resources & Conservation Forestry Division – Fire and Aviation Management Bureau. Technically, the truck is still owned by the DNRC but it will be housed and used exclusively by the Victor Fire Department. This is part of a cooperative agreement that helps local departments protect state and private lands from wildfire.
As with most of the departments here in the valley, there is a ‘no man’s land’ between the fire departments and the USFS. Technically, the departments are not responsible for fire suppression but realistically, fires in this area need to be contained and suppressed. This type of truck is very useful for this according to Scott Hackett, Victor Fire Department captain.
The new engine is equipped with a 500-gallon water tank, as opposed to the old truck that had a 200-gallon tank. It also has foaming capabilities as well as tools and supplies needed for effectively fighting rangeland and brush wildfires.
“This is a tremendous addition to our department,” said Chief Dennis Pings. The department has a total of 10 trucks and the ambulance which is leased to Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital.
