Lexington, Ky. – The Lexington Fire Department has enhanced its capabilities with the addition of two new fire engines, unveiled on Monday. These vehicles symbolize the department’s ongoing commitment to public safety and will replace two aging trucks that have been in service for over 20 years.
Fire Chief Jason Wells indicated that the new engines will be stationed at Fire Station 1 and Fire Station 5. This modernization will allow for reduced maintenance requirements, which translates to less downtime for the trucks and improved response times for the community.
The new engines were ordered back in 2021, with each costing more than $800,000. Equipped with an internal 750-gallon water tank and a pump capacity of 1,250 gallons per minute, these state-of-the-art trucks are designed to meet the growing demands of firefighting in the urban environment.
After the replacement, the decommissioned trucks will be placed in reserve, ensuring the department retains dependable vehicles to call upon if needed. Chief Wells emphasized that this investment was made possible through the efforts of Mayor Linda Gorton and the city council, who prioritize the safety of the Lexington community.
“It’s imperative that our organizations diligently plan for the future. These individuals truly care about keeping this community safe and about ensuring that our public safety divisions are always prepared and ready to answer the call,” stated Chief Wells.
The new fire engines are set to begin service on Tuesday, focusing primarily on the downtown and university campus areas. This transition marks a significant investment in the city’s emergency preparedness and public safety infrastructure.
