Fire truck reaches new heights
According to officials, one of the primary reasons for the purchase of McMinnville Fire Department’s new ladder truck was to provide rescues from high-rise structures in the city and the surrounding area.
In an effort to display that recently acquired ability, the fire department conducted a fire drill and a demonstration of the new equipment at Beersheba Towers and Spangler Towers, two facilities that could potentially need this service should a fire or other disaster occur.
Patricia Basham, Director of McMinnville Housing Authority, explained the reasons behind the event.
“The fire department has got a beautiful new fire engine, and one of the main reasons they wanted one was because of the height of these two buildings and to make absolutely sure they could rescue everybody in case of an emergency,” Basham said. “So when they got it, we planned our fire drills just to show the people we can rescue anybody any place they are in the building.”
There are 101 apartments in Beersheba Towers with around 110 residents, and 57 apartments in neighboring Spangler Towers with around 60 residents. Both buildings are five stories high, making the reach of the new ladder truck of real importance to the occupants of both buildings.
Fire inspector Phillip Mitchell said the new ladder truck was a significant addition to the local fire department’s equipment.
“I think it’s a great investment for the city and the citizens of McMinnville,” Mitchell said. “It’ll definitely handle anything we’ve got right now and hopefully in the future. It’s a great piece of apparatus.”