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Last updated on Friday, January 25, 2013
(SALEM) - The Salem Fire Department has just added a new truck to its fleet.
The 2012 Ford F550 will aid the department in fighting field and other grass fires, says Chief Tom Day.
Stephanie Taylor Ferriell of the Leader-Democrat reports that the four wheel drive truck has a much greater water capacity - 410 gallons compared to 250 on the old truck, a 1982 F350 and it also carries 10 gallons of foam.
The old truck did not have foam capabilities. Day says the new truck is just a lot more versatile.
Another big plus is that the pump is powered by a separate motor. That means if the truck engine experiences problems, firefighters will still be able to spray water or foam with no interruption.
The brush truck was purchased by Washington Township. The Salem FD is contracted by the township to provide fire protection.
Day noted the majority of brush and field fires occur in the township, not within the city limits. He says the old F350 will be maintained as a backup, allowing the department to provide mutual aid in other townships when needed, while still covering Salem.
Day says the purchase brings the department up to date. "This was our last missing piece," he said. The department's fleet also includes a 1988 ladder truck, a 1971 ladder truck, a 1996 engine, a 2006 engine and two tankers; one a 1987 model, the other a 1982.
The department currently has eight full-time firefighters, six part-time and 20 active volunteers.
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