Snohomish County Fire District 1 recently purchased a new fire engine for Fire Station 18 in Mountlake Terrace (soon to be moving to Brier):

Snohomish County Fire District 1 welcomed its newest engine to Fire Station 18 in Mountlake Terrace with a traditional fire service housing ceremony recently.

Housing is a fire service tradition that dates back to the 1830s. Part of the ceremony includes having firefighters push the new apparatus into the firehouse and dates back to the days of horse drawn equipment, which could not be easily be backed into the building by the horses.

Sporting Fire District 1’s red and black color scheme, the new engine includes features to make it safer and more efficient for crews to use. Safety features include anti-lock brakes, roll-over protection and more visible emergency lighting and reflective decals.

The motor is built to the latest EPA emission control and fuel conservation standards. The engine features lower-sulfur diesel fuel and oil systems. A regeneration system the collects and removes particulates from exhaust to reduce air pollution.

New computer-aided pump controls are designed to increase dependability and efficiency. The engine also features a larger cab and compartment space, allowing Fire District 1 to outfit the vehicle with equipment for today’s firefighting needs.

The new engine cost $540,000 engine. Funding came from Fire District 1’s vehicle replacement account. The fire district sets aside money each year in the fund to save up to replace aging apparatus. This new engine replaces a 1991 model that will now be retired from front-line use to become a reserve engine.

Fire District 1 is the largest provider of fire and emergency medical services in south Snohomish County serving more than 160,000 residents in the neighborhoods of Silver Firs, Eastmont, Mariner, Lake Serene, Picnic Point, Martha Lake, Lake Stickney, Norma Beach, Hilltop, Hilton Lake, Pioneer Trails and the cities of Mountlake Terrace and Brier.