Report Prepared by: Derek Parker, Fire Chief, Fire Department
Title
SUBJECT: Fire Engine Cost
REPORT IN BRIEF
The cost of fire apparatus has been rising significantly over the past 10 years. This information only presentation is at the request of the Chair.
RECOMMENDATION
Information only.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Deny; or,
3. Continue to a future meeting (date and time to be specified in the motion).
DISCUSSION
Fire engines are the backbone of the modern fire service. The fire engine, also known as a triple pumper, has function to pump at a fire, carry hose for use on fires, and carry its own water which allows for rapid deployment. Once a static water source or a hydrant can be established then water is carried directly to the pump. While the form and function of an engine has existed for over 100 years the technology which has taken over the world has entered the fire service in the last 25 years.
New fire engines are very high technology equipment. Computers run the engine, lights, radios, GPS, mobile data computers, pump, and even the intersection lights. Issues are often found by the computer. Just as in business, old computers often bring issues. Merced Fire Department (MFD) has two fire engines which were manufactured in 2001. Additionally, MFD has one aerial ladder truck purchased in 2001 as well. These old apparatuses have old computers which are not supported by the manufactures any longer and when issues arise it becomes difficult to repair the problems.
New apparatus, such as the fire engine, which was purchased in 2022, cost near $1,000,000. The 2022 purchase of $891,251.97 does not include the needed equipment to place the unit in service. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), hose, medical equipment, hand tools, and much more bring the total cost to approximately $1,000,000.
In the previous year since the purchase the manufacturer which MFD uses has had a 5% increase in cost. These costs are due to steel surcharges, supply chain concerns, and demand for their product. Production times for fire engines are currently 40 months.
MFD uses Pierce Manufacturing as their high-quality apparatus maintain MFD’s uniform fleet and help with the repair of equipment with Fleet.
There are lease programs which are recommended for municipalities to investigate. These programs allow for the municipality to “secure a place in line” while the engine is in production.
Prior to the 2006 downturn the MFD participated in an apparatus replacement program. The length of use was 20 years for both engines and trucks. The recommended use period for modern apparatus is 8-12 years with 15 years being the longest time recommended. MFD intends to move to a 15 year turn over. As no apparatus replacement program is in place the replacement of apparatus is not organized. Managing long lead times and aging apparatus will require a significant investment for the City of Merced.
A new engine is estimated to cost $1,000,000 if purchased within the 2023 calendar year. A new aerial ladder truck is estimated to cost $2,000,000 if purchased within the 2023 calendar year.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Merced Pumper Proposal Package - 27 July 22
2. Apparatus Replacement_1992