Even though it’s been in service since May, the Ashland Volunteer Fire Department’s new fire engine didn’t go to a structure fire until last week.
The new pumper truck was called into action on Oct. 31 when the Ashland department helped with a garage fire at North Lake near Louisville, said Fire Chief Mike Meyer.
The new engine was built by Pierce Manufacturing and it replaces another Pierce-made engine that was purchased in 2006, said Second Assistant Fire Chief Chad Hart.
Its main purpose of the engine is to pump and carry water and transport tools, hose and extrication equipment. The department chose a new style of engine, called a Velocity PUC (Pierce Ultimate Configuration) pumper. The rig is shorter in length than the old one, and it fits more easily in the fire hall bays.
“It’s designed for smaller houses,” said Meyer.