Town of Carefree enhances emergency response capabilities

New fire engine and brush truck acquisition

The Town of Carefree is delighted to announce the newest additions to its emergency response fleet: a state-of-the-art Fire Engine and Brush Truck, designed to significantly enhance our capacity to safeguard residents and property during emergencies. The acquisition of these cutting-edge firefighting vehicles underscores the Town’s commitment to maintaining a high level of emergency response readiness.

The new Engine 821 is a 2023 Pierce Enforcer equipped with a robust 1500 GPM Waterous Pump and a 750 Gallon Poly Tank. Featuring a Pacar Motor with 385/510 Horsepower and an EV4000 Allison Transmission, this advanced fire truck is specifically engineered to navigate Carefree’s unique terrain with precision. The Town’s decision to retire its previous truck was prompted by the closure of the manufacturer’s business. The introduction of the new truck marks a substantial upgrade, especially with its increased pumping capacity, guaranteeing a more efficient and effective emergency response. The cost of this advanced fire truck amounted to $935,000.

In complement to Engine 821, we are introducing the new Brush 823, a 2023 4×4 Rebel ATX Type 6 Brush Truck equipped with a Hale HPX 200 Pump and a 450 Gallon Poly Tank featuring a Scotty Foam System. The acquisition of this fully equipped Brush Truck was made possible through a generous grant of $177,000 from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. This specialized brush truck greatly enhances our ability to access challenging desert locations, facilitating a more rapid response to wildland fires. The cost of this dedicated brush truck totaled $253,000.

Both Engine 821 and Brush 823 will be officially introduced to the public in a special dedication ceremony at Carefree Fire Department Station 821 (37401 N Tom Darlington Dr, Carefree, AZ 85377) on Friday, Jan. 26 at 1:30 p.m. Residents, local businesses, and the media are invited to attend and witness firsthand the cutting-edge technology that will elevate the Town of Carefree’s emergency response capabilities. The event will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, an open house to explore the new vehicles, and complimentary hot dogs, chips, and refreshments for attendees.

Mayor John Crane states, “The dedication of our new fire truck and brush truck marks an exciting day for the Town of Carefree and our Carefree Fire Department. We collaborated closely with our Rural Metro firefighters to ensure both trucks are properly equipped. With these new vehicles, Carefree will be served safely and effectively for many years to come.”