The city of Mesa rolled out its first all-electric fire truck Thursday morning. The new pumper truck has low to no carbon emissions, which will inch the city closer to achieving the goals of its Climate Action Plan.
Fire Chief Mary Cameli said the truck will create a healthier work environment for the firefighters, by reducing the amount of diesel fumes they’re exposed to.
“Firefighters are already exposed to smoke in their regular daily routine when they go on calls," she said. "This just reduces more exposure, more toxins.”
The truck also runs quieter than diesel ones.
"So this is gonna help for more effective and clear communication," Cameli said.
The electric truck costs about a half a million dollars more than its predecessors, but the city expects to save money on fuel and parts. The fuel from the Engine at the same station last year used approximately $12,000 in fuel.
After using the new truck for a while, the fire department will run a cost comparison to decide whether to order more electric trucks.
The Gilbert Fire & Rescue Department added the state’s first electric fire truck to its fleet in November.
