Charleston Fire Department orders pumpers

Pierce Manufacturing  announced an order from the Charleston Fire Department in South Carolina for two Arrow XT pumpers and one Saber pumper. The department purchased the fire apparatus through Pierce dealer Spartan Fire and Emergency Apparatus, and delivery is expected in August 2022.

The Pierce Arrow XT pumpers feature a heavy-duty design with a short overall length of 29 feet and will be stationed in Charleston’s historic downtown district. The Saber pumper offers outstanding visibility, substantial space, and thoughtful ergonomics and will support Charleston Fire Department’s suburban and rural service areas.

“The Charleston Fire Department has several fire stations built in the 1880’s and 1910 with height and length restrictions,” said Joseph Roberts, Assistant Chief of Technical Services for the Charleston Fire Department. “Working with Pierce and their dealer, Spartan Fire, we were able to develop specifications for apparatus to fit into these older stations and maneuver through Charleston’s narrow historic streets. We purchased our first Pierce fire engine from Spartan Fire and Emergency Apparatus in 1983 and we’re confident in our continued relationship.”

Charleston Fire Department’s new fire apparatus will feature:
Pierce Arrow XT Pumpers
• Arrow XT chassis
• 500-gallon water tank
• Hale 1500 gpm pump
• Cummins L9 450 hp engine
• Side roll and frontal impact protection
Pierce Saber Pumper
• Saber chassis

• 1000-gallon water tank
• Hale 1500 gpm pump
• Cummins L9 450 hp engine
• Allison 3000 EVS transmission

“We appreciate the long-standing relationship we have with the department which has a fleet made up almost entirely of Pierce vehicles,” said Robby Fore, President of Spartan Fire and Emergency Apparatus. “We are very familiar with the challenges the department faces, including its historic fire stations and narrow city streets, and are proud to be able to provide the customized solutions and ongoing support they need to best serve the City of Charleston.”

The Charleston Fire Department serves a growing, thriving, and historic port city. The department includes four battalions from 17 fire stations with 401 personnel who responded to 21,165 calls for service in 2021 across a 134 square-mile radius. Charleston is known for its historic architecture, cobblestone streets, and oak tree-lined neighborhoods. The community requires fire apparatus with superior maneuverability for easy navigation on narrow residential and city roadways.

Rebecca Morpeth Spayne,
Editor, International Fire Buyer
Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922
Email: [email protected]