Emery volunteer fire chief reports new engine arrival, training and equipment needs

Emery's fire chief updated the Town Council on staffing, recent calls and equipment during the Feb. 12 meeting, saying the department has handled five calls so far this year, including three vehicle accidents, a grass fire on Highway 70 and a Lehi assist.

The chief said "our new engine is here. It's in the bay" but staff must mount tools, replace damaged hoses and finish other outfitting before it can enter service. He described a seven-hour orientation with a Pierce instructor to review the vehicle's systems: "That truck really is virtually a rolling computer," he said, noting the department completed a deep dive to learn controls and operations.

He also said the department pulled hoses and equipment from the old engine, discovered damaged hoses and is preparing a list of mounting and tool needs to give town staff for procurement. The chief reported taking steps to keep the retired Becker tanker on site as a supplemental water source for fires on Highway 70, saying the county often must send a tanker from Baron and having a local water tanker would help response time.

The chief praised recent firefighter training, reported that one member obtained instructor certification through the Utah Fire and Rescue Academy, and encouraged council members and residents to inspect the new engine while cautioning that equipment is still staged around the bay.

No formal council action was taken about the new truck at the Feb. 12 meeting; the chief said he would submit a detailed equipment list to town staff for follow-up.