The Elsie-Vinemaple Rural Fire Protection District has received a fire engine that will enable firefighters to battle wildland fires in addition to structure fires.

The wildland urban interface engine, which was recently retired from the Northern Sonoma County Fire Protection District, was purchased by a donor.

The unit is equipped with increased water and pump capacity, making it possible for firefighters to tackle larger brush fires as Oregon’s record-breaking wildfire season continues.

“It’s going to be our first out brush fire response unit, but it will also be our first out fire engine during inclement weather in the wintertime,” Fire Chief Rob Davis said. “With its four-wheel drive, it’s going to give us increased mobility in poor weather conditions, especially when we’re responding to motor vehicle accidents like along Highway 26 in bad weather.

“So during the wintertime, it’ll have all of our auto extrication equipment on it so that we can better respond when we have snow and ice in the ground.”

The engine, painted bright yellow, has been dubbed “Mama Ang” after the donor who gifted the unit to the fire district. It has replaced a 1994 Ford unit that Davis said was no longer serviceable.

“We’re just really grateful for such a donation to be able to upgrade our fleet and get us something that’s in better condition than what we had,” he said.