According to Talkeetna Fire Department Chief Eric Chappel, response time is crucial when it comes to putting out fires. That’s why getting newer equipment every so often is important.
Chappel said the department recently received two new trucks. The first of which is a brush truck. It’s designed with maneuverability in mind. It’s built to go down driveways, powerline trails, and get to wherever a wildland fire may start.
The second is a 1991 fire engine that was gifted from another fire department in the state. Chappel said the new fire engine is equipped with new features their previous fire engine didn’t have–including anti-lock brakes.
According to Chappel, the new fire engine will help ensure the safety of the department’s firefighters and increase efficiency on the scene. He added that even small improvements to efficiency make a big difference when putting out fires.
“The old one took about two miles to get up to speed. This one gets up to speed in probably less than a half a mile,” he said, “So it will get water to fires just a little bit faster, and every little bit that we can get, helps us reduce the amount of damage to people’s houses.”
Chappel said the new equipment is exciting and better equips the Talkeetna Fire Department to handle fires promptly.
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