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| This Pierce wildland firefighting truck is now on duty in Dunsmuir, California |
Saber wildland pumper is an especially effective configuration that meets the needs of departments in rugged wildland interface areas.
Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation Company and North America’s leading fire and rescue apparatus manufacturer announced it has placed a Pierce Saber wildland firefighting vehicle in service at the Dunsmuir Fire Department in Dunsmuir, Calif. Dunsmuir is located on the northern edge of the state in Siskiyou County.
"This beautiful corner of California contains some of the most scenic landscape in the world, but it is susceptible to the dangers of wildfires,” said Jim Johnson, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Fire & Emergency. "The Saber wildland pumper is an especially effective configuration that meets the needs of departments in rugged wildland interface areas.”
"Our new Saber wildland pumper enables our department to safely transport six firefighters on any fire, rescue or medical aid response,” said Dan Padilla, fire chief of the Dunsmuir/Castella Fire Department. “The sharp turning radius allows us to quickly maneuver through narrow streets, steep driveways and roads that sometimes have slopes of 25 to 50 percent. The new Pierce engine has performed very well, earning high marks and praise from the entire membership.”
The Saber apparatus features all-wheel drive for enhanced off-road maneuverability in the region’s back roads and rugged terrain. Other features include: seating for six firefighters; roll-up doors and an LED lighting package; a 425 hp engine; 6-speed automatic transmission; 16-inch front bumper extension with hose tray; a 320-amp alternator; backboard storage; slide out trays; adjustable shelves, and a swing out tool board.
The firefighting system includes a 1,500-gpm single stage pump, stainless steel plumbing, 750-gallon water tank, hard suction hose, two speedlays (each capable of carrying 175 feet of 1.75-inch hose) and two booster hose reels. The vehicle also features a Class A foam system, Hercules compressed air foam system, 30-gallon foam cell and pump-and-roll capability to attack fast moving wildland fires.
The local Pierce dealer providing sales and support is Golden State Fire Apparatus of Modesto, Calif. “The entire Golden State, Pierce and Oshkosh Capital team went above and beyond to accommodate our department throughout the entire planning and purchasing process,” Chief Padilla added. “Without their assistance, patience and knowledge, none of this would have been possible.”
The Dunsmuir Fire Department is an all-volunteer department whose protection area includes approximately 50 square miles and 3,000 residents. The Sacramento River and Interstate 5 run through the district. Dunsmuir is situated on the Sacramento River at an elevation of 2,000 feet above sea level on the former Southern Pacific Shasta railroad line that runs between California and the Pacific Northwest. Avid rail buffs from all over the world visit Dunsmuir to photograph trains that travel through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.
