Fort Collins
Poudre Fire Authority says it can't keep up replacing vehicles by 2030
The authority says a brush truck now costs $396,000, up from $190,000 in 2017, while protective gear, engines and station upkeep have also grown more expensive. It directs readers to its bio for funding information.
Poudre Fire Authority says that by 2030 it will no longer be able to keep pace with replacing emergency vehicles under its current funding structure.
The cost of a brush truck rose from $190,000 in 2017 to $396,000 now, an increase of 91 percent, the authority said. It also said the cost of providing firefighters with protective equipment, replacing fire engines and other apparatus, and maintaining fire stations has gone up.
Brush trucks are smaller, more maneuverable fire vehicles designed to travel on rough terrain and reach places fire engines cannot. The authority said they are becoming increasingly more vital as wildfires become more prevalent.
The trucks are equipped with water tanks, pumps, hoses and specialized tools to fight grass, brush and wildland fires. They can allow firefighters to climb trails, cross fields and access remote locations.
Brush trucks play an important role in stopping fire when wildfires threaten communities, the authority said. It directs readers to learn more about its funding through the link in its bio.