A Better Fire TruckThe Wildland Attack/Structural Protection or WASP Pumpers are here! With the 4 new fire trucks (and the similar Rescue Unit) we have completed the important 2005 Strategic Planning goal to replace aging apparatus, a plan funded by the 1999 Levy Lid lift.
The WASP is equipped with a full sized fire pump that is rated at 1250 gallons per minute. These engines, built on Ford F-550 4x4 four-door chassis’, were designed over the course of a year by Chief Mike Harris of Orcas Island Fire, Targhee Fire Services and engineers at WS Darley—with assistance from Chief John Leander of Skagit County Fire District #5--to meet the unique rating, response, personnel and financial requirements of the department. The units’ composite rear bodies reduce weight, increase strength and provide generous compartment space. And although much smaller, it is lighter, faster and more versatile to handle steep access narrow roads and the growing wild fire threat. Features include 12-volt HID scene lighting, remote front Water/CAFS 2 1/2" monitor, rear Water/CAFS hose reel, easy to read color-coded pump panel, auto pump governor, Water/CAFS preconnects, digital flow meters on all CAFS outlets and full compliment of ground ladders. Each is equipped with an AutoFill valve that automatically keeps the onboard water tank full when using either a hydrant or tender water supply which provides consistent tank water to the pump. In addition, they will be our first fire trucks to have a fully equipped patient care compartment.
And at a cost of $230K, they are half the cost of the engines purchased in 2004!
In the factory, near Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin