DENTON, Texas — The Denton Fire Department made history on April 11 by placing the state’s first electric fire engine in service during a traditional push-in ceremony at Station 1, fittingly nicknamed the “Powerhouse.”
Department leaders explained that the Pierce Volterra electric fire engine helps address an urgent vehicle shortage while also taking a big step toward protecting firefighters from cancer-causing carcinogens, the Denton Record Chronicle reported.
Battalion Chief David Boots shared that the department was in critical need of new equipment after two engines were damaged in crashes and a third fell into poor mechanical condition.
“Post-COVID, there is still a backlog of fire engines to get them ordered,” Boots said. “If you order a new fire engine today, it will take four years to get it,” Boots said. “We couldn’t wait four more years to get a replacement vehicle, being down to only a couple of reserves in a very busy department.”
The Volterra operates with zero emissions while driving and actively pumps water at fire scenes. For added reliability, it is outfitted with a backup diesel engine.
“The primary reason behind this was the removal of diesel exhaust,” Fire Chief Kenneth Hedges told WFAA. “I think everybody understands diesel exhaust is classified as this carcinogen. So, every day our members are being exposed to carcinogens on their job. Cancer reduction has been a very big push in the fire service. This is just one more step we’re taking to protect our employees.”
The department is preparing to test how long the electric fire engine’s battery lasts per charge. The vehicle can fully recharge in just 90 minutes, minimizing downtime. One of its key advantages is its dual power system. If either the electric or diesel component experiences an issue, the operator can seamlessly switch to the other, keeping the engine in service without interruption.
The city invested $1.8 million in the electric truck, about $600,000 more than a traditional diesel model. The additional cost was offset by Denton’s sustainability fund.
