By Matt Wiley
It can be alarming to see the massive brush fires on the news that scorch thousands of acres out west. Florida is no stranger to brush fires, either. To help ensure that brush fires do not get out of hand in the New Tampa area, Tampa Fire Rescue (TFR) has assigned its newest, most technologically-advanced fire engine (photo) to TFR Station No. 22, located on Cross Creek Blvd., a mile west of Morris Bridge Rd.
TFR reports that the new engine, a 2014 Pierce Quantum, is not only the newest vehicle in service at “The Double Deuce” (as TFR says Station No. 2 sometimes is referred to), it’s also the newest engine in service for TFR. The engine, which officially began replacing the old Engine 22 on October 24, features a 1,000-gallon water tank, double the size of Station 22’s previous engine.
“As a city, we must continue to invest in and provide support for our first responders,” said Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn in an October 27 press release. “The needs of each station vary, depending upon the area they service, but we purchase specialized equipment like this to ensure that the men and women of Tampa Fire Rescue have what they need to keep our community safe.”
TFR reports that the extra 500 gallons of water also will come in handy when traveling to Morris Bridge Rd. and other parts of the New Tampa area that may not have hydrant service, ensuring that fires are extinguished more quickly and reducing the risk of potential property damage.
“With this engine’s ability to carry more water, (Station 22) firefighters are able to provide better service to the (New Tampa) area,” said Tampa Fire Chief Tom Forward. “More water means more time to fight the fire (immediately) until other units arrive and another water source is available.”
TFR Capt. Chris Shepherd says that he’s impressed with his station’s new engine.
“It’s really nice,” Shepherd says. “It’s definitely going to come in handy.”
Shepherd explains that Station 22 takes calls all up and down Morris Bridge Rd. and many of the homes along that previously rural road sit way back from the roadway itself.
“North of Easton Park, some of the homes are more than an eighth of a mile from the road,” Shepherd explains. “We only have 1,000 feet of hose (on a fire engine), so this bigger tank gives us the water to do what we have to do.”
In addition to the expanded tank, Capt. Shepherd says that the engine also has an additional firefighter seat, allowing transportation for five firefighters, one more than the old engine. It also features a seatbelt alarm to make sure that those firefighters are traveling safely.
“Our old truck was slower, too,” Shepherd says. “This thing really has some kick to it.”
Station 22 opened in April of 2012 at 10871 Cross Creek Blvd. and serves the eastern section of New Tampa. Always dial 9-1-1 for any fire emergency.
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