The New
Jeep
 |
The
Jeep has been outfitted as a grass rigger to fight the many
swamp and grass fires which may occur in Spring Arbor Township.
Its purpose is to go where most other fire vehicles can’t.
With off-road capabilities, it is able to crawl through the
swamp, delivering water and firefighters wherever they are
needed most. Previously, the closest, off-road vehicle to
Spring Arbor was in Liberty Township. |
This
vehicle is replacing an older Jeep from the 1960’s that
had become unsafe. It was all a part of the fire department’s
10-year funding plan as provided for in the millage of 2000.
Costing $12,900.00, the vehicle came equipped with a few very
important features: an 8” lift kit, 35” Super Swamper
tires and 4-wheel drive.
The
new Jeep has been outfitted with a 20 year old pump that
has been restored by the firefighters, saving approximately
$3000. It carries 60 gallons of water and has the capacity
to pump it out at 300-gal/min. The Firemen’s Association
purchased the winch, which has been installed by the firemen
in an effort to save on outside labor costs, with monies
earned from events like the Annual Pancake Breakfast.
The
newest member of the Spring Arbor Fire Department equipment
family will certainly earn its keep as it was used 9 times
in the first two days! The first was a swamp fire in which
6 other fire departments were called in to assist. |
 |
The
following week a very aggressive 80-acre swamp fire broke out
which required 11 other departments
be called in. Both times, the Jeep, along with several other
fire vehicles, was used to douse the flames. For a township which
consists of many acres of marshes, swamps and off-road brushy
areas, the Fire Jeep is welcome additional fire protection.
|
