AFD adds Utility Vehicle to fire safety arsenal

Arcata, Ca., (KIEM) The Arcata Fire District has added yet another piece of equipment to their arsenal.

The new fire safety vehicle purchased through the Volunteer Firefighters Association is intended to maneuver through hard to reach places and assist in rescue efforts.

 The fire utility vehicle received several different grants. The biggest part of the grant came from the California Fire Foundation and another local contributor.

Arcata’s Fire Chief said this is not the only one in the county as there are other agencies around the area that have these utility vehicles but the chief added, all are used for the same purpose.

“We have a lot of beach area that is inaccessible to the pickup trucks this vehicle will allow us to get out to those remote areas and either put the small encampment fires out,” said McDonald. “Or it can be used for rescues. We’ve had a few occasions where somebody has been out at the beach broke a leg, broke her hip, and the only way to get them off is to pack em out by hand or call for a helicopter.”

McDonald said that fire crews have been going through training programs so that they are safe when out using the vehicle.