Grants Pass Fire & Rescue is introducing the community's new wildland fire engine during a traditional ceremony known as a "Push Back" on Friday.
The event is scheduled for tomorrow at 10 a.m. at the Parkway Fire Station, located at 800 East Park Street.
The tradition of pushing a fire truck into the station dates back to the time of horse-drawn equipment when firefighters had to push the fire pumpers into the station because horses couldn't back up the equipment.
Grants Pass acquired the new Type 3 wildland engine from the Oregon State Fire Marshal. The International cab, 500-gallon pumper is designed for rapid wildland fire extinguishment as well as urban response.
OSFM will retain ownership of the apparatus, while Grants Pass Fire & Rescue will handle housing, staffing, responding, insuring and maintaining the apparatus for three years.
This was made possible through the OSFM Engine Program funded by Senate Bill 762, Oregon's Wildfire Omnibus law passed in 2021.
Six more of these apparatus are coming to the Rogue Valley for Medford Fire-Rescue, Jackson County Fire District #1, Jackson County Fire District #3, Jacksonville Fire Department, Ashland Fire Department and Williams Rural Fire Protection District.
