Clallam County Fire District 3’s leadership is confronting a critical need to modernize its fire‑apparatus fleet. At the regular fire commissioners’ meeting on Oct. 20, staff unveiled an Apparatus Replacement Plan that uses an AP Triton scoring matrix to evaluate each vehicle’s age, mileage, service history, condition and reliability.
Scoring results and replacement costs
Maintenance Supervisor Tharin Huisman reported that 17 of the district’s vehicles received a “poor” rating, indicating immediate replacement. The estimated cost to replace those assets totals roughly $13.4 million. The list includes three ambulances, three fire engines, one water tender, a ladder truck, two brush trucks, two rescue trucks and five additional pieces of apparatus.
Three vehicles rated “fair” – an ambulance, a command vehicle and an inspector truck – would cost about $550,000 to replace. Two ambulances earned a “good” rating, while several newer units – including two brand‑new engines, a brush truck and seven other vehicles – were rated “excellent” and are expected to remain in service for the foreseeable future.
Age, functionality and refurbishment considerations
Staff noted that apparatuses older than 15 years often lack modern safety upgrades and may no longer meet functional requirements. Those older units are recommended for reserve status or refurbishment. However, Huisman cautioned that refurbishing vehicles older than 18 years is unlikely to be cost‑effective.
Replacing assets older than 25 years – which includes two ambulances, a fire engine, two brush trucks, a rescue truck, a ladder truck, a tender and a shop‑mechanic’s truck – is projected to cost about $6 million.
Funding outlook and budget proposals
Finance Manager Misty Shaw emphasized that the district is significantly behind schedule in replacing its fleet. The district’s 20‑year Capital Improvement Plan calls for at least $1.1 million in apparatus funding from 2026‑2030. In July, staff recommended earmarking $1.42 million for 2027 replacements, followed by $1 million annually thereafter.
During the Oct. 20 meeting, Huisman proposed a $500,000 water tender replacement and a $200,000 ambulance purchase for the 2027 budget. He argued that the existing tender’s motor would need a $50,000‑$100,000 repair, exceeding the truck’s value.
Assistant Fire Chief Tony Hudson pointed out that used apparatuses are fetching higher prices than in recent years, but noted that opting not to repair certain vehicles could reduce potential resale revenue.
Future planning and commissioner input
Commissioner Mike Mingee described the 2027 requests as reasonable but urged caution on longer‑term commitments until the district finalizes its Service Delivery Plan. The plan, expected later this year, will review updated 911 call data, response times and other operational metrics.
Shaw suggested several financing options, including redirecting $2.5 million in capital funds toward vehicle replacements, which would require issuing additional debt for facilities. She also floated the idea of adding a ladder truck and fire engine to a future facilities debt issuance to lessen the immediate funding gap.
Another proposal was to allocate 4 % of levy revenue each year for apparatus replacement, creating a steady funding stream.
Station design contracts
Commissioners also approved contracts for design work on two station projects: a $68,000 conditional‑use permit design for the Dungeness Station 31 relocation, and a $2,960 cost‑estimate study for various building options at the future Carlsborg Station 33 site.
While no final decisions were made on station construction, Mingee stressed the importance of gathering comprehensive data before moving forward with public announcements.
Overall, the district is navigating a complex mix of equipment needs, budget constraints and strategic planning to ensure reliable fire protection for the community.
Original reporting: Renton Reporter — read the source article.
