Mesa Unveils Arizona's First All-Electric Fire Truck

Sunday - January 7 2024, 08:27 UTC - 10 months ago

The City of Mesa, AZ, has unveiled the first all-electric fire truck in the state, intended to reduce firefighter exposure to toxins and contribute to the city's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The truck boasts impressive sustainability and performance metrics, including low to no carbon emissions, extended range for prolonged power needs, and long-lasting batteries. Fire Station 221 is equipped with an electrical charger to recharge the fire truck, and ways to prioritize firefighter health and safety.

Taking a huge step towards environmental consciousness and firefighter safety, the City of Mesa unveiled Arizona's inaugural all-electric North American-style fire truck, manufactured by E-ONE, a REV Group subsidiary. The pumper truck at Fire Station 221 in southeast Mesa marks a significant step in the Mesa Fire and Medical Department's commitment to pioneering health and safety practices. The deployment of this cutting-edge fire truck aims to reduce toxin exposure for firefighters, aligning with Mesa's commitment to implementing advanced health and safety measures .

Mayor John Giles expressed enthusiasm about the city's shift toward electric vehicles, stating, "It's a more efficient technology, and shifting City vehicles from gas-powered to electric is another step we can take toward reaching our Climate Action Plan goals." The all-electric fire truck aligns with Mesa's Climate Action Plan and contributes to the city's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 .

District 6 Councilmember Scott Somers highlighted the significance of locating this innovative apparatus in Southeast Mesa, symbolizing the city's innovation mindset. The fire truck boasts exceptional sustainability and performance metrics, featuring low to no carbon emissions, reduced noise pollution, extended range for prolonged power needs, and long-lasting batteries. It can pump four hose lines at 750 gallons per minute on a single charge for four hours, ensuring continuous emergency response when required .

Infrastructure and Safety MeasuresFire Station 221, equipped with an electrical charger, can fully recharge the fire truck in approximately 3 and a half hours. Designed and built in 2021, the station prioritizes firefighter health and safety with positive pressure airflow, exhaust capturing systems, and a decontamination area. Fire Chief Mary Cameli emphasized the department's dedication to improving personnel health and safety, stating, "Every innovative step that contributes to the overall health and safety of our personnel is a step in the right direction .

" City funding for the all-electric fire truck is sourced from 2018 bonds approved by voters and the City's General Fund. REV Fire Group President Mike Virnig expressed gratitude in a press release, saying, "We are delighted that the City of Mesa and Mesa Fire and Medical have chosen the E-ONE to support the city’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050." In conclusion, Mesa's introduction of the all-electric fire truck signifies a milestone in sustainability, innovation, and commitment to the well-being of its firefighters .

As the first of its kind in Arizona, it sets a precedent for other municipalities to explore eco-friendly alternatives in their emergency response fleets, supporting a cleaner and safer future.