HIBBING, Minn.– Since 1994, the Hibbing Fire Department has depended on their large yellow fire truck to assist them during emergencies.
However, in the years ahead, they will introduce a new aerial vehicle to complement their collection of trucks.
The truck, priced at 1.9 million dollars, is expected to take approximately two years to complete its manufacturing process.
The truck will be manufactured in Wyoming, Minnesota.
Meanwhile, the yellow equipment remains operational, and the Fire Chief of Hibbing informed FOX 21 that it has performed remarkably well over the years.
With that in mind, they are eagerly anticipating this upgrade.
“Finding parts has become increasingly challenging. This truck is primarily analog, while most equipment today is digital. We’ve encountered several maintenance and repair issues, and in some cases, we've had to fabricate parts since they are no longer accessible. We typically anticipate a lifespan of around 30 years for our apparatus, but this one is nearing the end of its usable life,” stated Erik Jankila, Fire Chief of the Hibbing Fire Department.
The new truck will come equipped with several innovative features, including the capability to connect breathing apparatuses at the rear and a bucket attached to the ladder, reminiscent of those found on utility trucks.
