Firefighters will have a little extra help when fighting brush fires in hard-to-reach rural areas.
Four new quick-attack vehicles were added to the San Diego County Fire dispatch on Tuesday. The vehicles will assist Cal Fire operations during brush fires.
The vehicles, known as “patrols” can hold up to 200 gallons of water and 10 gallons of gel or foam. They can also be used for medical aid calls, traffic collisions and structure fires.
"They are simple to operate, very quick and maneuverable and allow our reserves to get to the scene quickly. They are also used for mop-up, allowing fully staffed engines to be put back in service quickly," said Chief Tony Mecham of Cal Fire San Diego Unit and County Fire.
Each patrol vehicle costs approximately $260,000.
Firefighters are required to take additional training before operating them.
The vehicles are assigned to Jacumba, Palomar Mountain, Del Luz and Shelter Valley.
