By Mike Allen

Photo: Members of Santee Fire Dept, SD Regional Fire Foundation and the SD River Conservancy with new brush rig funded through the city along with grants from the two nonprofits.

August 11, 2025 (Santee)-- The city of Santee has another key tool in its goal of protecting the city from wildfires, a new brush fire engine.

City officials and the public will get together Aug. 20 for a “push-in” ceremony at Station No. 5 to celebrate the new engine, which was paid mostly from nonprofit grants.

According to the city, the $627,000 fire engine made by HME Inc. was acquired thanks to a $407,000 grant from the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation, and the San Diego River Conservancy. The remainder came from the city’s general fund.