The Pagosa Fire Protection District (PFPD) has announced the arrival of a new wildland Type VI engine.
The new engine, known as Brush 91, is equipped with a 400-gallon water tank (previous engines held 250-300 gallons) which will provide much-needed water for fire fighting.
The vehicle has an auxiliary diesel pump that draws fuel from the engine’s tank, which reduces the need for secondary fuel tanks and allows the pump to run for longer periods without having to shut down and wait for the pump to cool down before refueling. Larger storage compartments will assist in carrying more equipment efficiently and providing easier access to commonly used items.
Pagosa Springs and the surrounding area has a substantial ‘urban-interface area’ — areas where residences and forested areas meet. To protect our community against wildland fires, the district has the responsibility to maintain an adequate fleet of brush engines.
Chief Randy Larson said, “The Apparatus Committee has worked hard to make this new apparatus a reality. With due diligence of our finances, PFPD was able to purchase the Type VI wildland engine without having to go into debt or ask the taxpayers for more money. We are very proud to be able to have this new vehicle to help protect the people of the Pagosa area.”
The PFPD Apparatus Committee consistently evaluates the needs of the fire district as well as the cost of operations necessary to maintain a fleet of high-quality equipment for firefighters to provide for the best possible protection. This new engine will serve as a replacement for older, outdated equipment.