In the fire fleet sector, developments are always unfolding, from new vehicle additions to significant operational updates. To keep you in the loop, we’ve gathered the latest news impacting fire fleets across the country. Here’s a look at some of these recent updates and what they mean for fire departments and their operations.
Georgia Fire Department Unveils New Fire Ladder Truck
Macon-Bibb County Fire Department, Georgia, introduced its latest ladder truck with a traditional push-in ceremony on August 1. The ceremony, a nod to 19th-century traditions, marked the arrival of the $1.3 million truck, funded largely by a local sales tax.
Fire Chief Shane Edwards emphasized the importance of aerial ladders in rescue operations, especially in high-rise emergencies. The county now has eight aerial units positioned to respond to emergencies across the area.
This Pierce Volterra EV is the first of its kind in Canada and will operate out of the Mount Pleasant Fire Station, which has been outfitted with the necessary charging infrastructure.
Photo: Calgary Fire Department
Calgary Fire Department First in Canada to Receive Pierce Volterra Electric Pumper
The Calgary Fire Department, Alberta, Canada, received Canada’s first Pierce Volterra Electric Pumper, joining a fleet that already includes units in Madison, Wisconsin; Gilbert, Arizona; and Portland, Oregon. This addition supports Calgary's Green Fleet Strategy, which aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2030.
The truck will be tested in Calgary’s winter conditions to assess its performance in cold weather. The vehicle is now in service, and Pierce dealer Commercial Emergency Equipment will provide ongoing support.
Audit Uncovers Critical Gaps in Atlanta's Fire Vehicle Fleet
A recent city audit revealed that the Atlanta Public Works department faced significant challenges with its fire vehicle fleet. The audit found that nearly one-third of fire apparatus were beyond their expected lifecycles, with some vehicles having major mechanical issues. The shortage was so severe that the city had only three reserve fire engines and no ladder trucks, well below international standards, according to the report.
The audit showed that the city’s primary financing source, the Georgia Municipal Association's revolving loan fund, was inadequate, leading to the purchase of only 30 out of 58 approved fire apparatus between 2017 and 2024. Additionally, the report found that preventive maintenance was not consistently performed, with about 18% of vehicles missing service for over a year.
To address these issues, the audit recommended establishing a dedicated funding source for future vehicle acquisitions, improving maintenance protocols, and organizing inventory processes. It also urged collaboration between the fire chief and public works commissioner to implement a vehicle replacement plan and update policies to ensure the fleet's reliability.
San Diego Fire-Rescue’s Air Operations Unit handles over 400 emergencies annually. The new SUBARU Bell 412EPX is expected to boost its response capabilities across the region.
Photo: Bell Textron
San Diego Fire-Rescue Boosts Fleet with New SUBARU Bell 412EPX
Bell Textron announced that the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, California, has signed an agreement to purchase a SUBARU Bell 412EPX helicopter. This addition aims to enhance the department's firefighting and rescue operations, particularly in high-altitude and high-risk scenarios.
The aircraft, known for its increased weight capacity and spacious interior, is expected to significantly improve the Air Operations Unit's ability to respond to emergencies, including wildfires and high-rise fires. This purchase follows recent deliveries of the same model to other southern California law enforcement agencies.
