The Timberline Fire Protection District Board met on September 17, 2024, to discuss important updates, including the district’s aging deployment truck, Brush 52, and ongoing issues at Station 5.
Brush 52, the fire department’s trusty 2004 truck, has been on the road for 20 years and has racked up about 70,000 miles. While it’s been a solid vehicle, it’s showing signs of wear and tear. The cramped seating makes long trips uncomfortable for the crew, and the truck’s reliability is becoming a concern.
Fire Chief Paul Ondr explained that instead of buying a brand-new truck, the district plans to give Brush 52 a makeover by replacing the chassis and keeping the existing fire equipment. This upgrade would cost between $90,000 and $110,000, with the new chassis alone priced at just over $63,000.
The team is still deciding whether to pay for the upgrade this year or include it in next year’s budget, depending on when the chassis arrives.
The Board stressed that the upgrade isn’t just about fixing the old truck – it’s also about making life easier for the crew. A new double cab will provide more space, making long deployments more comfortable and ensuring everyone can do their job safely. But there’s a potential downside: the longer vehicle could be harder to maneuver, so the team is looking at different options to make sure the new setup works well in tight spots.
Ondr suggested more signage and solar lights to increase safety for traffic surrounding Station 5, next to Taggert’s gas station.
The Board also voted to sell another old truck, Brush 57, a 2008 GMC that has not fit in well with the rest of the fleet. They have had trouble finding parts for it, and it hasn’t been as useful as expected. A company has offered $45,000 for the truck, including some old equipment. The Board is still deciding how to best use the funds from the sale.
Station 5 has been dealing with water pooling issues for years, despite efforts to fix it. Water from nearby roads and businesses keeps flooding the driveway. The Board is moving forward with a $18,000 solution to install a drainage system to redirect the water, which should help protect the station and the driveway.
A motion was made and seconded that Timberline contribute $24,781 to the pension fund, which was agreed upon by the members present. They also approved the minutes for June 18, 2024.
There has been an increase in calls, and the Chief said there may be some confusion over the difference between Stage 1 and Stage 2. To be clear, Stage 1 means that you can have a fire in a permanent fire pit at a campground or on private land. Hunting is allowed.
The board will continue discussing the truck upgrade and other projects at their next meeting on October 7, 2024, at Station 9, located at 7469 Virginia Canyon Road, Central City.
