Rural fire agency eligible for $423,864 loan

AIRWAY HEIGHTS — The local Spokane County fire department is eligible for a loan to purchase off-road fire equipment.

Fire District No. 10 can borrow up to $423,864 in Local Direct Investment funds to purchase a Rosenbauer Timberwolf urban-interface fire truck, according to the Spokane County Treasurer’s Office.

“The apparatus will primarily serve on the West Plains as a front-line Wildland Urban Interface truck, the most significant risk in Spokane County,” Fire District No. 10 Chief Ken Johnson said. “In the winter, the truck will improve firefighter safety while responding in an apparatus with all-wheel drive during inclement weather.

The loan can be re-paid over five years from property taxes, officials said.

“This funding opportunity allows the district to mitigate several important firefighter safety initiatives while keeping our fleet updated,” Johnson said.

“The volunteer and career staff at Spokane County’s fire districts work around the clock to protect our communities, especially with the rise of wildfire activity,” county Treasurer Michael Baumgartner said.

“By financing through the Spokane Public Investment Fund, Spokane County Fire District No. 10 will soon deploy a new apparatus that will play an integral role in emergency response.”

District staff responds to about 1,400 calls for service each year, officials said.