2024 and 2025 will bring enhanced capabilities to NNSS Fire & Rescue (F&R) thanks to recent and upcoming fire engine acquisitions.
The NNSS’ newest engine, call sign: Engine 321, joined the fleet in March and is slated to provide years of offroad wildland fire response readiness out of NNSS Station 2. A Type 3 fire truck manufactured by Pierce in Bradenton, Florida, Engine 321 is designed to combat wildfires in rural settings. The engine features a pump-and-roll capability that enables a driver to operate the truck while crew members simultaneously manage the pump and hoses alongside the moving vehicle. This feature means F&R can both follow a wildfire and wet down areas ahead of an advancing blaze.
The NNSS will take possession of a second Type 3 engine this summer. A Type 1 engine that supports firefighting and initial Emergency Medical Service response, and two Type 6 wildland engines featuring a pick-up truck base with four-wheel drive, are set to arrive at the start of 2025.
“With the addition of newer vehicles, we’ll be able to enhance our fleet,” said NNSS F&R Deputy Chief Don Parker. “Our Type 3 engine can also be used as a backup structural engine. The engine can transport four personnel and the vehicle carries 500 gallons of water. New pieces of equipment with current industry standards make for better morale, confidence and safety. The firefighters using this piece of equipment will have that safety net knowing it’s going to work every time.”
Procuring a custom NNSS fire engine can be up to a three-year process from start to finish. Prior to Engine 321, the last piece of heavy fleet acquired was Engine 1 in 2022, following previous acquisitions in 2017 and 2006. While refurbishments have occurred through the years, utilizing the Pierce stock purchase program, which enables the purchase of stock trucks instead of build-to-order, has been essential to updating the NNSS fire department fleet.
“That’s been our advantage to identifying and getting some of these pieces of equipment,” NNSS F&R Chief Brian Dees. “With the increase in mission tempo, these are much-needed additions to the fleet.”
Prior to every delivery, NNSS F&R and Fleet, Fuel and Equipment Services performs a final inspection at the manufacturing facility. Training on the new engine occurs onsite once the vehicle arrives at the NNSS. While some older vehicles are replaced altogether, others are placed in reserve, ensuring the NNSS’ readiness posture.
