Jackson County Fire District #1 in Rogue River has received a new Type 6 wildland engine from the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM). The engine was built by Skeeter Emergency Vehicles on a 2023 Ford F-550 chassis.
Fire Chief Mike Hammond said the State Fire Marshal will maintain ownership of the engine, but Fire District #1 will be responsible for housing, staffing, insuring and maintaining the apparatus for three years.
At that time, OSFM will decide whether to leave the wildland engine in Rogue River or take it back. Hammond said it is their intention "to make OSFM want to leave it here."
Chief Hammond said this couldn't be better timing for the local district since its current Type 6 wildland engine is 23 years old and ready for replacement. He said with a cost that approaches $200,000, it's a heavy lift for a small organization. Fire District #1 is currently up-fitting the new engine and training with it. They will have it in service and responding to fires very shortly.
This was made possible through the Oregon State Fire Marshal Engine Program funded through Senate bill 762, Oregon's wildfire omnibus bill in 2021. Local agencies could request a Type 6 wildland engine, Type 3 wildland engine or a tactical tender. OSFM built a total of 76 apparatus for strategic placement across the state.
Seven of those apparatus are coming to the Rogue Valley. The Medford Fire Department will be receiving a Type 6 wildland engine. Type 3 engines will be going to Jackson County Fire District #3, Jacksonville Fire Department, Ashland Fire Department and Grants Pass Fire & Rescue. The Williams Rural Fire Protection District will be receiving a tactical tender.
