Niles Fire Department upgrading fleet with new 100-foot aerial truck

 The Niles Fire Department has contracted to buy a new 100-foot aerial truck, addressing ongoing challenges with its current ladder truck.

The new vehicle, a Pierce Enforcer 100-foot Ascendant Aerial Tower, will replace the department's 1997 model.

Fire officials have cited increasing repair costs and difficulty in obtaining parts for the older truck as reasons for the replacement.

Discussions regarding the need for a new ladder truck have been ongoing for several years. The city administration and the city council collaborated to secure the necessary funding for the acquisition.

The department views this purchase as an investment in public safety for the residents and businesses of Niles.

The new apparatus will join the fire department's existing fleet. It is equipped with a 510-horsepower engine and a pump designed to move 2,000 gallons of water per minute. The truck also features safety equipment for firefighters and accommodates up to six people.

According to the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers Association, the decision to purchase an aerial device for a fire district extends beyond simply the reach of ground ladders, now encompassing factors like insufficient personnel, challenging terrain, and improved ISO ratings.  

The ISO (Insurance Services Office) Fire Score is a rating that determines how well the fire department can protect a community. Insurance companies use the score to help set home insurance rates, as a home that is less likely to be severely damaged or destroyed by fire is cheaper to insure.

Additionally, aerial devices offer enhanced safety for firefighters in large structures, aid in water rescues, provide high-flow suppression for industrial facilities, and are crucial for communities with an aging or disabled population.