Calistoga City Council members expressed strong support for a nearly $1 million investment in a new fire engine during the regular meeting on October 22, 2024. The council is set to approve a resolution to purchase the custom-built vehicle from Pierce Manufacturing, a leading fire engine manufacturer with over 110 years of experience.
Council members voiced confidence in the company’s reliability, with one member stating, “I do feel good about them… they are basically the premier [manufacturer].” The new fire engine is expected to enhance the safety and efficiency of Calistoga’s fire services, as current maintenance practices require sending older engines to Sacramento for major repairs, which can lead to extended downtimes.
The council discussed the importance of the new engine, highlighting its custom design tailored to meet the specific needs of the community. Staff members expressed excitement about the upcoming addition, noting that the design process involved significant input from local firefighters.
In addition to the purchase, the council acknowledged a $178,000 contribution from the Calistoga Volunteer Firefighters, which will help offset costs. The financing plan includes a zero-interest loan, which was praised as a financially sound decision given the potential savings.
While the old fire truck will remain in reserve until the new engine arrives, discussions included plans to sell it afterward, although its value is expected to be minimal due to its age.
The anticipated delivery of the new fire engine is projected to take about four and a half years, primarily due to supply chain delays and increased demand for fire vehicles post-COVID. Despite the wait, council members are optimistic about the long-term benefits this investment will bring to the community's safety infrastructure.