Washington Fire District Boosts Capabilities with Military Surplus Equipment

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. -

In Whatcom County Fire District 14, military surplus trucks and generators once used by the military have been converted into vital tools for firefighting and rescue missions, thanks in part to Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services.

Assistant Chief David Moe said the district, which covers approximately 200 square miles in total, serves about 10,000 residents year-round. That number climbs to around 15,000 in the summer as tourists head into the Cascades foothills and mountains along the border.

The area's suburban neighborhoods, farmland, industrial sites, forests, and rugged mountains terrain present a wide range of challenges for the district's firefighters. With much of the area lacking fire hydrants, access to water in emergencies is critical.

Through the Firefighter Property Program, a partnership between the U.S. Forest Service and DLA Disposition Services, the district has acquired and repurposed several trucks and two generators.

"These two trucks are used as our off-road tenders, bringing water to our brush engines when they're fighting wildfires or other fires off pavement," Moe said of two M915A3 military trucks often referred to as Freightliners. "Additionally, they are utilized on our regular structure fires, as much of our area doesn't have fire hydrants."

He said the vehicles were modified by contractors and local firefighters. The contractors handled the water tender conversions, while firefighters themselves outfitted the trucks with assistance from a local welding shop and specialized suppliers.

One of the former military trucks, nicknamed "Renegade," also doubles as a technical rescue vehicle, carrying rope gear, a heavy winch, and anchor points for roadside rescues.

Beyond firefighting, the district's surplus equipment has been critical for flood response. During devastating floods in Sumas in 2020 and 2021, the converted trucks assisted in high-water and swift-water rescues. The generators, meanwhile, provide seamless backup power during winter outages, allowing stations to serve as shelters for residents.

The surplus trucks have also seen action beyond the district. Moe said the water tenders and brush engines are deployed to aid other fire departments when wildfires spread across Washington.

The district has realized major cost savings by converting military equipment from DLA instead of buying new equipment. Moe said conversions of the water tenders cost between $50,000 and $70,000 each, while the brush engines ranged from $80,000 to $100,000. By comparison, new tenders start around $450,000 and brush engines easily top $300,000.

"They've been a fantastic resource, not only for our community, but for neighboring districts across the state when they call for assistance," Moe said.