Lubbock Fire Dept Unveils New Wildfire Engine

This isn't your average fire truck. It has special wheels that are designed to handle difficult terrain.

 "This engine is designed for the wildfire environment the engines we have the red ones you see around you those are structure engines. They are designed to operate on the streets," said Division Fire Chief Steve Odorizzi.

A far cry from the big red fire trucks we're used to, this specialty engine is ready to fight tough-to-contain rural wildfires.

"Those are two wheel drive and can get in a soft spot and get stuck in the soft dirt. This is able to get out in the rough areas," said Odorizzi.

Lubbock Fire Department got this truck as a grant from the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System, a program designed to coordinate firefighting resources and communication across Texas.

"The Lubbock Fire Dept applied for a grant for this engine just to be able to support their city better and to help the rest of the state in a time of need," said Justin Musgraves, Regional Fire Coordinator with Texas A&M Forest Service.

Musgraves said, "It's got a shorter wheel base than most engines, its got a higher ground clearance, and its also four wheel drive which gives it the ability to get places in these rural areas, the rugged terrain where these wild fires are found."

But with this great power comes great responsibility, as this truck will have to respond to wildfires around Texas.

"This truck boosts their local capacity they can use it in conjunction with their brush trucks  in addition when we call up for assistance on large incidents across the state they can send it out to assist other agencies," said Musgraves.

Odorizzi says he doesn't expect any wildfires this year, but says now the fire department is prepared.

"Once the foliage starts dying and the grass starts to go dormant the chance of fire goes up. We have had some moisture so it's not going to be as high as last year, but there is always a chance," said Odorizzi.