The Sedona Fire District’s Governing Board approved a pair of purchases to replace outdated equipment on Tuesday, March 19. The new acquisitions will cost over $45,000.
The first item approved is a Hurst E-Draulic 2 Ram, cutter, spreader and charging bank package that costs $32,213.52. A SFD report describes it as a battery-powered hydraulic rescue tool that is the latest technology in rescue equipment, often used in vehicle accidents. The report also states that the capital budget forecast is to begin the replacement as scheduled this year, buying one set of tools per truck on a biannual basis over the next 10 years. At the program’s end, Sedona’s oldest tools will be over 20 years old.
“As I have stated, there is a need to maintain the plan to the best of our ability so we can properly budget and appropriately replace expensive and vitally important equipment on a timetable staff has worked hard to develop,” Acting Chief Jayson Coil wrote in the report. “These packages will serve our community and personnel and meet our operational needs. Starting this long term replacement process now only helps us smooth out the annual budgetary impacts and allows a more improved strategic planning process.”
The board also approved the purchase of 40 sections of fire hose in various lengths and sizes from LN Curtis for $13,749.65.
A report by Battalion Chief Dave Cochrane states that fire hose has a limited life and the length of time one will remain adequately reliable depends on many factors. It depends on the initial quality of hose, frequency of use, care and maintenance and the amount of degradation from UV light.
Testing by the Fire Equipment Manufacturers Association indicates an increased risk of failure after 10 years of use. Due to their extensive hose testing and inspection program, SFD has been able to safely extend the service life of the hose well past that 10 years, but the time has come to continue the process of replacement.
“We currently have supply hose that was purchased in 2001 and has now reached the 19- year mark,” Cochrane wrote. “We can no longer put off the replacement of this hose and instead of creating a significant financial burden all in one year, our intention is to have all supply line and older attack lines replaced over the planned three-year period as indicated in the capital purchase plan. This is year two.”
