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Lander fire chief calls for plan to replace 37-year-old engine as ISO rating risk grows
Summary
Fire Chief Siwek reported increased call volume and training and urged the council to plan for replacing aging apparatus, citing Engine 6's 37-year age, an estimated replacement cost of about $1,000,000 and a probable ISO rating drop from Class 3 to Class 4 without equipment and training documentation improvements.
Lander Fire Department Chief Siwek briefed the council on department activity and equipment needs, urging long-range planning and funding strategies.
Siwek said the department responded to 230 calls in 2025 (including 33 structure fires and 23 rescue/EMS incidents) and has increased in-house training (roughly 1,000 combined hours). He described critical equipment problems: Engine 6 is 37 years old, currently unreliable for drafting water and with a nonworking master stream; replacement costs for a new engine now approach $1,000,000 and build times are three to four years.
"That truck is my highest priority to get replaced," Siwek said, noting that engine replacement grants are difficult to win and that other apparatus in the fleet are also advancing in age. He reported that the department has applied for federal grants but was denied for engine replacement this round and encouraged the council to consider matching or alternate funding sources such as SLIB or MRG programs.
Siwek also warned the council that the department is likely to drop from ISO Class 3 to Class 4 because of equipment age and some training-documentation shortfalls; he said an official letter confirming the rating was expected and that the change could affect community insurance considerations.
Why it matters: Aging fire apparatus and equipment that fail to meet drafting or SCBA standards can reduce operational effectiveness and contribute to a worse ISO rating, which has downstream impacts on insurance premiums and public safety preparedness. Chief Siwek encouraged the council to explore multi-source funding and a replacement plan.
Next steps: Siwek requested council consideration of funding strategies and help in identifying grant or matching opportunities; he will return with details on costs, timelines and possible funding pathways.
