SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. — A Spokane County Fire District 10 fire engine was consumed by flames while supporting firefighting operations during the Old Trails Fire last week. Luckily, the fire engine operator escaped without injury.
The fire department says the engine, which is capable of carrying 2,000 gallons of water, was operating as a water tender because the fire’s location made access to hydrants impractical.
According to the fire department, the operator was traveling to refill the vehicle’s water tank when deteriorating road and atmospheric conditions severely reduced visibility along the route, causing the vehicle’s front tire to get stuck in a roadside ditch.
The operator stepped outside to inspect the undercarriage when the engine shut down. Rapidly spreading flames then overtook and consumed the immobilized fire engine.
The operator was able to escape, the fire department confirmed, and was only given a medical evaluation as a precaution afterwards.
“The loss of the apparatus underscores the hazardous and rapidly changing conditions firefighters encountered while working to protect lives and property during the Old Trails Fire,” wrote the fire department.
Spokane County Fire District 10 officials chose not to immediately publicize the loss out of respect for community members who suffered significant property losses, instead prioritizing the operator’s well-being and ongoing emergency operations.
The fire department is now working to identify and secure funding to replace the destroyed fire engine. Additional information regarding the replacement will be released as details become available.