SANTEE GOING RED WITH NEW FIRE ENGINE

Source: Santee Fire Department

August 18, 2016 (Santee) -- The City of Santee is reintroducing red-colored fire suppression vehicles into its fleet after 50 years of having yellow as the primary color for the department’s fire apparatuses.

The color change will be inaugurated when the city’s newest fire engine is delivered today. The new engine will be put into service later this month on August 24. A second apparatus, a new 100-foot-long ladder truck that is expected to arrive this winter, will also be “fire engine” red.

Fire Chief Richard Smith said the color change is supported by the department’s firefighters and by city management.

“The new color symbolizes a rebranding of our fire department and honors a longstanding worldwide fire service tradition,” Smith said.

In addition to the color change, the new engine will have a patriotic paint scheme that includes red, white and blue striping and commemorative U.S. flag decals on each side.

Nationwide, fire apparatus colors range from yellow, white, blue, green, orange, and lime green.

Santee’s existing fire engines will not be repainted from their current yellow color.

“While the appearance of our new fire fighting vehicles will be different, the department’s high level of service will continue as expected,” Smith said.

The new fire engine, which cost approximately $600,000, is diesel-powered and is capable of pumping 1,500 gallons per minute. It has the latest safety technology, including airbags, side and rear cameras to minimize blind spots, and a vehicle data recorder similar to the “black box” on an aircraft.

“I’d like to thank the City Council and City Manager, as well as other city staff for their continuous support in providing top of the line fire apparatus to serve our community,” Smith said.