Crime & Safety
Murrieta Fire & Rescue Rolls Out New Firefighting Tool
The department's new water tender is designed specifically for fires in more rugged terrain.
MURRIETA, CA — A new tactical water tender purchased by the city of Murrieta for its fire department is now fully outfitted and rolling — going places its predecessor could not.
Built by BME Fire Trucks in Boise, Idaho, the new $395,000 water tender replaces Murrieta Fire & Rescue's 2004 model. According to the city, the new truck offers a foam system, drafting capability, and four-wheel drive that allows firefighters to access remote areas during wildfires that the older tender could not reach.
"Holding 1,800 gallons of water, the new water tender is designed specifically for fires in more rugged terrain, helping supply water for the fireline," according to a city news release. "For areas of Murrieta where there are no fire hydrants, the added four-wheel drive and larger water capacity will significantly improve overall firefighting operations allowing crews to fight fires for longer. The new tender pumps water into the tank at a higher rate and also offloads water with greater pressure, which is critically important on the scene of a fire."
The new rig was fully funded with Measure T revenue. The ballot initiative, which increased Murrieta retail sales tax by 1 percent to 8.75 percent, was approved by city voters in 2018.
"Thanks to Measure T, we have increased our service capabilities by purchasing this tactical water tender, which is safer and has more features than our older water tender," said Interim Murrieta Fire & Rescue Fire Chief Mike Lopez. "This new mobile water source is flexible and very effective for wildland and structural responses. It can carry a large amount of water and firefighting equipment to provide suppression when needed. This is one of many tools that make us on the cutting edge of fire service delivery."
Murrieta Fire & Rescue took delivery of the water tender in October, but the truck had to be outfitted with tools, equipment, communications gear, and electronics before being fully operational. In late December, the new rig officially went into service.
The new truck is being housed at Murrieta Fire Station 2 on California Oaks Road, which is centrally located for citywide responses, according to the city.
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