Today is a BIG DAY for Elsie Vinemaple RFPD! Just over a week ago a discussion started with a friend of the fire service, that conversation turned into our needs, and ended with a donation that a “thank you” just isn’t big enough to even begin to show our appreciation for what is pictured below. This new to us Wildland Urban Interface Engine also know as a Type III engine was recently retired from Northern Sonoma County Fire District. This engine only has just over 16,000 miles on it and it’s in excellent condition. Featuring an international four wheel drive chassis, the ability to carry 500 gallons of Water and a pump capacity of 500 gallons per minute an apparatus like this can be used for wildland fires as well as structure fires. With its 4x4 capability we can increase our mobility in severe weather, and if needed be able to drive in high water.

We will take the next few weeks outfitting this unit with equipment and completing drivers training. Once ready to go in service this heavy brush engine will rotate between station 1 in the summer and station 2 in the winter.

In a tribute to a massive donation the Heavy Brush will be nicknamed “Mama Ang” in recognition of Angela R., who purchased this unit and donated it to Elsie Vinemaple RFPD to better serve our community! Angela, from all of us, THANK YOU may never be enough, but your gracious support of the fire service has touched so many and will for years to come. From all of us at Elsie Fire, thank you for being our friend and our supporter!