Stimulus money used to by fire engine for Warner Springs

The county used $475,000 in federal stimulus money to buy a fire engine that will be stationed in Warner Springs, it was announced Monday.

The 21-ton truck, which carries up to six firefighters, is equipped with a 500-gallon tank to fight wildfires and structure fires and is also capable of siphoning water from ponds, pools and other sources. It also comes equipped with a 24-foot-long extension ladder and full medical gear.

The engine is owned by the county but will be stationed in Warner Springs to serve the community and also to provide mutual aid to other departments in fighting wildfires.

“Placing a new engine in Warner Springs will help protect the entire region,” Pam Slater-Price, chairwoman of the county Board of Supervisors, said in a statement. “This new, valuable piece of equipment will help the County Fire Authority fight fires and provide emergency medical care for people in the backcountry.”

In the last five years, the county has purchased 33 fire engines.