Fire Engine Returned To Service After Small Mishap Near Livermore

LIVERMORE, CA — An Alameda County fire engine that got stuck in soft terrain during Monday's battle against the Midway Fire east of Livermore is being returned to service Tuesday, potentially saving taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars. The fire — which started Monday around 5:03 a.m. in the center divide of Interstate Highway 580 in unincorporated Alameda County — was contained at five acres.

But there were reports that one of the Alameda County fire engines was involved in a rollover accident during the fire fight. The rumor was quickly stopped, however.

"Engine 320 wasn’t involved in a rollover but it did get stuck in soft terrain and was carefully removed by Dozer 17 and a Cal Fire Dozer," the Alameda County Fire Department reported on social media. "... thankfully, the crew didn’t sustain any injuries and the damage to the engine was minor."

Crews at the department's vehicle maintenance facility spent Monday fixing Engine 320, so it is ready for another day of work during a dangerous fire season.