Bend Fire & Rescue placed two new water tenders into service last week, replacing older units that have served the community since 1995.

The department said the older tenders were reaching a point where increasing maintenance costs and declining reliability made replacement a more responsible use of taxpayer dollars.

Bend Fire said water tenders play a key role in rural and wildfire response by supplying water in areas without hydrants and supporting crews in rugged terrain. The update also noted that the new apparatus are important in Bend’s surrounding rural areas, including Deschutes Rural Fire Protection District #2, which Bend Fire serves.

Bend Fire & Rescue said the new tenders improved readiness and its ability to protect the community during critical incidents where resources are limited. The department said it saw that readiness in action last week, when one of the new tenders responded to assist with a fast-moving brush fire just east of Bend.

The department said the second new tender responded yesterday to a shop fire in its district, off Highway 20 west of Bend. In both incidents, Bend Fire said there was no established water supply and crews relied on the tenders to help keep the fires at bay.

Bend Fire & Rescue said it is proud to serve Bend and that the new tenders will help it continue that work.

Bend, OR

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