Structural Fire Engines

Structural fire engines are the most versatile equipment that we have when responding to emergencies.  These engines are ready for fire response, hazardous materials incidents, vehicle extrication, and other rescue scenarios.  Per the National Fire Protection Agency, fire engines over 25 years old should be removed from service and a front-line engine should be moved to reserve status after 15 years. 

Engine 231 - 2014 Rosenbauer

This is our first due.  It's the newest engine and is equipped with four wheel drive.  This is used by our on-duty firefighters.  

Engine 231 holds 750 gallons of water with a 1500 gallons-per-minute pump. Red and black fire truck parked in front of mountain range

Engine 232 - 1997 Central Spartan

This is our second due and is used for incidents requiring multiple engine response.  

Engine 232 - 1997 Central States Spartan


Engine 233 - 1995 Central Spartan

This is our reserve unit that is moved up to active duty when another engine is out for service or repair.

Engine 233 - 1995 Central States Spartan

Structural engine replacement plans call for:

  • First due is to be under 9 years old, then moved to second due.
  • Second due is a backup and is moved to a reserve engine after 15 years.
  • Reserve engines are older vehicles that are under 24 years old.

Our current fleet consists of a 2014, 1997, and a 1995.  The second due and reserve engines are both close to retirement age.  

The Whitefish Fire Department will apply for a FEMA grant that could provide us with a Type-3 Interface Engine.  If awarded the funding, our 1995 engine would be sold and the 1997 engine would become our new reserve vehicle.    

Ladder  Truck

A ladder truck is needed in our fleet.  A ladder truck serves two main functions:

  • First, it acts as an elevated master stream to fight fire in large or continuous buildings, like those in downtown Whitefish.  
  • Second, it provides a ladder for rescues over the 28-foot working height.  

Even the typical 35-foot building height is beyond our reach.  A ladder truck would provide valuable ISO points that would likely save our commercial property owners within 2.5 miles of our fire station a substantial amount of money on property insurance.