Highlands County Bolsters Wildfire Response with New Brush Truck Fleet

Highlands County Fire Rescue (HCFR) is now better equipped to tackle brush fires thanks to a recent upgrade to its fleet. The Sebring-based department added three state-of-the-art brush trucks and a new command unit, significantly enhancing its wildland firefighting capabilities.

The trio of brush trucks – Brush 7, Brush 19, and Brush 41 – were custom-built by the Warrior Brush Truck Division of Chemical Containers, Inc, right in their own backyard of Lake Wales, Florida. Each of these specialized vehicles represents a $186,905 investment in the safety and well-being of Highlands County residents. Delivered in August 2024, the new trucks were swiftly put into service the following month.

Their effectiveness was quickly demonstrated. On December 10th, Brush 19 was among the first responders to a brush fire near train tracks. Highlighting interagency cooperation, Sebring Fire Department crews worked alongside HCFR personnel to clear away obstructing tree limbs, ensuring Brush 19 could gain access to the blaze.

These new workhorses are built on robust Ford F-550 cab and chassis and boast a significant upgrade in firefighting capacity. Each truck carries a 400-gallon water tank, a substantial increase over their predecessors, along with a 10-gallon Class A Foam system for enhanced suppression. Adding to their versatility, the rigs are equipped with Task Force Tips bumper turrets capable of powerful front ground sweeps, allowing firefighters to effectively knock down flames and create defensible space.

The acquisition of these modern brush trucks aligns with HCFR’s proactive equipment replacement strategy. They replace a trio of aging vehicles: a 1985 Chevy C20, a 1996 Chevy 3500, and a 1999 F-350, all of which have been retired after years of dedicated service.

Battalion Chief Billy Kingston emphasized the critical need for the new units, citing the age and reliability of the older trucks as key factors in the decision. He also highlighted the strategic deployment of the new fleet. “The (new) units have been deployed to the north, central, and south parts of our county to provide additional coverage,” Chief Kingston explained. “These units are easy to deploy with limited personnel and significantly improve our ability to impact fires in the wildland-urban interface.”

Chief Kingston further elaborated on the enhanced capabilities of the new trucks. “They carry 100 more gallons of water than our previous units and offer foam capability and ground sweeps. Importantly, the front monitors can be controlled remotely from inside the cabs, increasing firefighter safety and efficiency.”

With these advanced brush trucks now in service, Highlands County Fire Rescue has significantly strengthened its ability to protect lives and property from the ever-present threat of wildfires, particularly in the challenging interface between wildlands and developed areas.