Bend’s 6 new fire engines start rolling into service

The Bend Fire Department placed the first of its six new fire engines in service Friday at the West Fire Station on Simpson Avenue. The engines, built by Rosenbauer America, will replace a 21-year old fleet housed at the department’s five stations.

The new engines have state-of-the-art electronics throughout, advanced braking systems and superior collision protection, the department said.

Each unit carries 750 gallons of water and can pump 1,500 gallons per minute. In addition, every engine is equipped with new Zoll cardiac monitor/defibrillators, which were recently placed in service.

The new engines were purchased with Certificate of Participation bonds at a cost of $530,000 each. The bonds will be paid off in 15 years.

Four engines from the old fleet will be sold on the open market and one will be kept for use as a Fire Department Community Education resource.

One of the new engines will be displayed at the Winterfest in the Old Mill District on Saturday at the City of Bend booth near the footbridge. The department encourages you to “be sure to stop by and have a look!”