Wildland/Urban Interface Engine

The Department plans to purchase a new Wildland/Urban Interface engine by 2009. This new engine will provide many additional firefighting capabilities and safety features not found in current equipment. We are currently pursuing funding in the form of a grant from FEMA, as well as conducting fundraising activites locally. Below you will find some information on this type of engine and why it is needed.

What is a Wildland/Urban Interface Engine?
This is a special type of fire engine used to fight brush and forest fires near urban areas. The typical city fire engine usually focuses on providing the largest water tank and pumping capacity possible, along with crew and equipment space. A Wildland/Urban Interface engine is usually smaller, lighter and more maneuverable in order to reach areas that may not have paved or developed roads. Most feature increased ground clearance and four wheel drive. The equipment and hose carried on these engines is specifically designed for wildland firefighting and the protection of structures threatened by wildland fire.

Current Equipment
Nevada City purchased a new Pierce Saber engine in 2005 to replace the 1990 year model engine formerly used as the primary apparatus. This engine is designed for structural fire fighting, with a 700 gallon tank and 1500 GPM pump. This type of engine is referred to as a Type 1. This type meets the Department's needs for in-city firefighting, but is not as capable in wildland suppression efforts. Other types of engines include the Type 2, which is similar to a Type 1 but includes a few additional features for wildland firefighting, and the Type 3 which is a wildland-only engine, typically not equipped with the types of hose and equipment needed for structural firefighting.

The 1990 Type 1 engine is kept in reserve and used when extra equipment is needed, for large incidents or training. The other two engines currently in use by the Department are a 1978 Ford Type 2 and a 1983 Type 3. We hope to replace these two engines with the new Wildland/Urban Interface engine. Both are quite old and have been repaired and renovated over the years. They do not have many of the features that modern Type 2/Type 3 engines do. The 1978 Type 2 is still a rather large engine with low ground clearance and two wheel drive. The 1983 Type 3 is also only two wheel drive, and lacks many safety features of newer engines. This engine can only carry two personnel inside the cab; up to four more may ride in exposed seats on the back of the engine. Equipment and gear storage is very limited.

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