Plains adds new truck to fire arsenal

Matt Unrau

Valley Press

Several weeks ago the Plains Fire Department held a Fireman’s Ball to raise money for a new fire truck.

The ball raised $5,000  and along with money from the normal operating budget for the department was more than enough to buy the new truck.

The Department of Natural Resources gave the Fireman’s Association a great deal, and in the end Plains was able to buy the new vehicle for less than $5,000.

After the Fireman’s Association had bought the vehicle in April they then transferred the title to the city of Plains in early May.

The 200 Gallon type 6 Wildland Engine Chevy Truck is now sitting in the City Fire Department’s yard in place of the old 1966 Ford Brush Truck.

You’ll be hard pressed to find another vehicle like the old one used in other cities around western Montana.

“I don’t know if there is many like it,” says Larry Ballantyne, PVFD  Chief.

Unlike larger ladder trucks which are used for fighting structure fires, this one’s principal purpose is for fighting grass and brush fires. It will also be used for giving aid to the Rural Fire Department.

Chief Ballantyne describes the new vehicle as “more dependable and efficient unit. It has better capability with brush fires in town and is able to offer mutual aid to the rural fire department.”

Chief Ballantyne credits the gracious support of the town in the acquisition of the new truck.

“We could say the Fire Department got a new engine, but really the community got a new engine. And, it was because of that support (at the Fireman’s Ball) we were able to do it.”