Firefighters at Station 17 in Pollock Pines, CA have been excited to deliver service in a brand-new fire engine. The El Dorado County Fire Protection District took delivery of the new “Engine 17” at the end of June and it was put in service the first week of August. Plans to publicly welcome the new engine were delayed when the Caldor Fire heavily impacted Pollock Pines and surrounding communities a few weeks later. Engine 17 is a 2021 Pierce Enforcer Type 1 fire engine. This fire engine is specially designed to enhance structural firefighting capability but will also carry many tools and equipment commonly used for wildland firefighting, emergency medical services and specialty rescue calls such as automobile extrications and rope rescue calls.

The new engine added several performance and safety enhancements over the vehicle it replaced. The chassis is equipped with a 1500 gallon-per-minute water pump which will offer increased pumping capacity. The vehicle is also equipped with HAAS Alert Responder-to-vehicle (R2V) collision mitigation technology. HAAS Alert provides real-time digital alerts to drivers that an emergency vehicle is approaching. Because this fire engine serves a mountainous area with challenging road conditions, the vehicle is equipped with independent front suspension. The upgraded suspension provides a higher clearance and enhanced maneuverability while driving. The fire engine also has a locking rear axle for improved traction in snowy conditions. Emergency and scene lighting are now all LED which is more energy efficient, provides better warning to motorists and enhances lighting for firefighters working around the fire engine during the evening hours. The fire engine also has reflective chevrons on the rear of the vehicle to provide better visibility of vehicle. When the fire engine is used in rope rescue operations, firefighters can now quickly attach rope systems to the engine using new rope rescue attachment points.

The intervals at which fire engines are replaced are influenced by industry standards, vehicle reliability and safety, cost of operation and the need to carry updated equipment. Since the previous apparatus was purchased, the District has added water rescue equipment, changed from gas powered hydraulic extrication equipment to battery-operated equipment, added gas monitors, added rescue struts, rotary saws and more. These improvements often require storage reconfiguration that can be further optimized when a new fire engine custom is designed and built.

Since Engine 17 was able to increase to a safer staffing level of 3 personnel earlier this year, the roomier cab of the new fire engine now offers better accommodation for the additional personnel and more room for essential equipment. This allows for better organization and ultimately more efficient operation on emergencies. 

Engine 17 will directly serve the Pollock Pines, Sierra Springs, Strawberry and Kyburz communities. On Halloween, October 31, 2021 Engine 17 and firefighters from the El Dorado County Fire Protection District will be attending “Trunk or Treat” at the Pinewood Elementary School. Community residents are encouraged to come to the event and see the new fire engine! The free community event is from 4-7 pm and includes food, games, candy, costume prizes and “trunk” prizes.

See official Press Release here:

'Trunk or Treat' Event Flyer: