San Bernardino County Fire to get 10 new fire engines

In response to the Bridge and Line fires, which burned a combined 95,230 acres in San Bernardino County, the Board of Supervisors has approved the purchase of ten new fire apparatus.

During the Feb. 11 meeting, the board voted unanimously on a motion to authorize $6 million to purchase 10 type-1 fire engines for the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District.

In a statement released after the meeting Supervisor Armendarez stated, “This initiative benefits everyone – it reduces wait times, is fiscally responsible, and ensures we are fully prepared to protect life and property in the event of a natural disaster.”

According to the County, the new engines will arrive fully operational within 8-10 months.

The County had previously ordered nine new fire engines from a different source, but due to supply chain issues, those remain on order and could take up to three years for delivery. When those additional 9 fire engines finally arrive, the County says the 10 engines currently in use will be placed in reserve.

San Bernardino County Fire Chief Daniel Munsey expressed his appreciation to the board.

“I am profoundly grateful for the leadership and steadfast commitment that the Board of Supervisors has provided to the Fire District in support of advancing our mission to ensure our firefighters are adequately equipped to protect our community. Despite the significant challenges posed by manufacturing delays and supply chain issues, their proactive approach and support have been crucial. With increased costs and extended delivery times, it is essential to expedite our actions when fire engines become available, as the conventional purchasing process can span up to four years.”