San Diego Fire Rescue (SDFD) in California has purchased 10 new engines to prepare for the upcoming fire season. Eight fire engines and two brush engines are currently being outfitted, and six of the engines will be deployed this week. The fire engines cost $789,000 each, and the brush engines cost $452,000 each, for a total of $7.2 million.

“Fires are now a year-round threat in California so we must ensure we have the best equipment and the most highly trained firefighters to keep us safe,” Mayor Kevin Faulconer said. “The investments we’re making — from new engines to new and improved stations — will help our firefighters act quickly and effectively when our communities are at risk from wildfires. As we saw with the devastating fires across our state last year, you can never be too prepared.”

The new fire engines have a 1,500 gallon-per-minute pump, carry 500 gallons of water, and house 2,750 feet of fire hose. The brush engines have a 500-gallon-per-minute pump, carry 500 gallons of water, and house 1,650 feet of fire hose. In addition, a new helicopter will also be deployed later this summer.

The vehicles replace aging equipment, which are moved to the reserve fleet. 

The 10 new engines bring the total new fire apparatus to be purchased and placed in service since 2017 to 33. They include: 22 fire engines, six ladder trucks, three brush engines, one urban search & rescue apparatus, and one hazmat response apparatus.

Of the city’s 132 heavy fire fleet units, 126 of the vehicles are made by the same company — Pierce Manufacturing. Having vehicles with the same engine components, operating systems, replacement parts, and equipment makes it quicker and safer for firefighters to operate them and for mechanics to complete repairs and maintenance, according to the city.

In the past five years, the city has opened new fire stations in five neighborhoods renovated four others. A tenth fire station is currently under construction.