Fire departments in three northern California counties will receive fire equipment upgrades, thanks to additional funding. California State Sen. Mike McGuire announced that the California state legislature was able to allocate funds from its budget toward the upgrades for southern Humboldt, northern Mendocino, and Sonoma counties.

Replacing Aging Fleet Vehicles

Two million dollars will be invested in purchasing 10 new quick-attack fire engines for 10 rural fire districts and departments throughout northern Mendocino and southern Humboldt counties. According to the Times Standard, one of the vehicles in these districts is 50-years-old.

The vehicles are Type 6 vehicles, which are able to access off-road locations as needed. Shelter Cove Fire Chief Nick Pape told the Times Standard that the vehicles allow firefighters to extinguish small fires before they get a chance to grow and spread. The trucks might also be used for rescues and medical responses.

One million dollars will allow the Sonoma County Fire District to purchase two new Type 3 wildfire attack engines. John Selfridge, engineer and explorer post advisor for the fire district, told Government Fleet that the district has not selected which manufacturer it will work with to purchase the vehicles yet. The district is about three to six months out from ordering them.

The district covers a large amount of territory in some of the most high fire threat communities.

The vehicles are expected to be delivered and used during next year's fire season.