In a boost to local firefighting capabilities, the Whetstone Fire Department has been awarded a grant of $345,000 by the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM). This funding is part of a broader initiative that allocates $4.3 million in grant money to 15 fire districts across Arizona, aimed at enhancing infrastructure and equipment essential for firefighting operations. The financial support originates from Senate Bill 1720, which addresses critical needs for recognized fire districts statewide.
The grant awarded to the Whetstone Fire Department will be used to purchase a new, state-of-the-art Type Six engine, specifically the BME Sawtooth Brush Truck. This addition will significantly bolster the department's ability to respond to brush fires, a prevalent threat in the Whetstone community. Fire Chief Sam Foster expressed his gratitude for the award, emphasizing the crucial role this new equipment will play in safeguarding the community.
"We are incredibly grateful to be chosen for this award and will use the funds to purchase a BME Sawtooth Brush Truck," Chief Foster stated. "This truck will be used as our frontline Type Six unit for response to brush fires. There is a very present danger to our community from fast-moving wildfires. Many homes in Whetstone are heavily integrated into the surrounding vegetation, increasing the risk to life and property in the event of a wildfire."
The new brush truck will enhance the department's specialized wildland fleet by 33%, providing greater access to otherwise inaccessible areas and improving the chances of quickly initiating direct attacks on fires before they escalate. This addition will work alongside the department's existing Type Six engine, Type Three engine, and water tender, collectively enhancing the initial response capabilities and ensuring greater effectiveness and safety for the firefighters.
"The equipment we plan to purchase with this award will increase our specialized wildland fleet and allow us easier access to fires in otherwise inaccessible areas," Chief Foster continued. "It will give us a better chance of quickly initiating direct attack on fires before they have a chance to progress."
The funding from DFFM and Senate Bill 1720 is a vital investment in public safety efforts across Arizona, supplementing fire district budgets to ensure communities are better protected against the threat of wildfires. For Whetstone, the new brush truck represents not just a piece of equipment, but a critical asset in their mission to protect lives and property from the devastating impact of wildfires.
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