Residents living near the Fort Bayou Volunteer Fire Department could soon enjoy lower fire insurance rates once the fire department begins operating its new pumper truck.
The department bought the truck for $178,000. It needed the upgrade because one of the two existing trucks is just months away from its 15-year recommended use limit, said Lyle Crandall, assistant fire chief.
The new truck can pump 1,500 gallons per minute, an upgrade from both existing trucks. The department expects to be able to use the new truck for 20 years, resulting in greater insurance benefits for residents.
When the area's fire rating dropped from 10 to 8 six years ago, residents saw a reduction on their fire insurance by up to 40 percent, Crandall said. He expects the new rating will be a 7, which may decrease rates by 10 to 12 percent.
The old truck will still be used as an extra rescue vehicle, and equipped with such life-saving devices as the Jaws of Life.
