The Downieville Volunteer Fire Department has enhanced its firefighting capabilities by adding a 2018 Ford F-350 fire engine, featuring just 18,000 miles, to its fleet. Fire Chief Robert Hall secured the truck from the Stewartsville-Chamblissburg Volunteer Fire Department in Virginia for $70,000, fully funded through State reimbursement.
Addressing Water Supply Challenges
Chief Hall has long expressed concerns about water availability during firefighting operations. The department currently operates water tenders holding 3,000 gallons each and acquired a 1,050-gallon-per-minute trailer pump last year to draw water directly from rivers and creeks. However, the existing rescue vehicle was inadequate for towing the trailer pump effectively. The new F-350 will now tow the trailer, enabling crews to access water sources more efficiently and refill tenders closer to fire scenes, significantly reducing turnaround times.
Improved Response Efficiency
During the 2025 Downie fire, water tender turnaround times approached one hour. With the new setup, this time is expected to be cut in half, ensuring a more consistent water supply to combat fires. The F-350 is also equipped with its own pump and tank, classifying it as a Type 6 wildland engine, which enhances the department’s versatility in both structural and wildland firefighting.
State Support and Readiness
The acquisition was made possible through State prepositioning funds provided by the California Office of Emergency Services. These funds reimburse the department for maintaining equipment readiness during high fire danger periods. During such times, Downieville’s fire trucks must be ready to respond within seven minutes of a call—a goal easily met given the town’s compact size.
Strengthening Firefighting Capacity
Chief Hall emphasized the importance of having diverse equipment to address various emergency scenarios. The new F-350 joins the department’s existing Type 6 engine, serving both as a primary resource for prepositioning and as backup support for town protection. “You never have a good fire department unless you have a backup,” Hall stated. The vehicle will also bolster the department’s ability to contribute to larger incidents coordinated through the state emergency system.
