|
900 W. Main St.,
PO Box 690 Grangeville, ID 83530
Phone: 208.983.1200 |
| |
|
 |
|
|
|
| New pumper, storage tank for rural fire department |
|---|
|
|---|
 | | Free Press/David Rauzi | | Members of the Grangeville Rural Fire Department are seen here with the new storage tank at a training session held last month. |
|
GRANGEVILLE -- Feeling thirsty?
New acquisitions by the Grangeville Rural Fire Protection District (GRFPD) look to improve efficiency through waterpower -- more and faster.
A 4,000-gallon capacity water tender was recently purchased by the district from a fire department in Sacramento, Calif., for more than $30,000. This vehicle can pump 460 gallons per minute and dump water at a rate of 2,700 gallons in 75 seconds.
Complementing this addition, the district purchased a 3,000 gallon folding tank and portable fire pump from grant funds awarded last year.
According to GRFPD Commissioner Bill Fowler, "This extends our ability to pump in areas where they don't have hydrants, which is pretty much everywhere."
With the addition of the water tender, folding tank and portable pump, officials say district residents within five miles of Grangeville should see a reduction in their fire insurance.
GRFPD had been actively searching for a water tender for several years, and after the Blackerby Fire of 2005, which threatened Cove Road area residents just outside Grangeville, the search became more serious. Finally an advertisement showed a water tender within the price range and requirements of the district.
Fowler extended the district's special thanks to Sterling Savings, which allowed them to withdraw a CD -- to assist in the tender purchase -- before its maturity date and not incur any penalties. Their public service greatly helped the district, according to Fowler.
GRFPD volunteers would like to remind everyone to be fire safe, and be firewise. The fire season may be a little later starting this year, but the grassy fuels will be heavier thanks to the spring moisture. For information on making property fire safe, call the fire prevention technician for the U.S. Forest Service at 983-1963, or the fire department at 983-2851.
|
| Go to top. |
| Click here to Subscribe |
|
|