Ponoka County approves purchase of new fire engine

PONOKA COUNTY -- The purchase of a new fire engine has been approved by Ponoka County Council.

The purchase was made official at their regular meeting at the end of November. According to the County, the new fire engine will be taken on by Ponoka County Fire Services' East District sometime in 2027, as it won't arrive for 18 to 24 months due to industrial build time.

In total, three quotes were received by Ponoka County administration. The recommended proposal was from Rocky Mountain Phoenix for a Rosenbauer sidemount pumper at $824,833 plus GST. The purchase will be funded from the County's fire reserve, with 10 per cent due upon order, and the balance payable on delivery in 2027.

Specifications for the new engine include a 2027 Freightliner M2 106 Plus four-door chassis (375 HP Detroit Diesel, Allison EVS-3000 transmission), Hale RSD 1250 IGPM PTO pump, 900 Imperial Gallon booster tank, FoamPro 1600 Class A foam system with 20 IG foam tank, enclosed side-mount pump panels, NFPA-compliant warning and scene lighting, and an aluminum FX body with seven large storage compartments.

This will replace the East District's 2007 fire engine, which has been in service for nearly twenty years.