“We’ve been talking about it for a number of years,” says Steve Wangen, of the Harvey Volunteer Fire Department’s decision to purchase an all-terrain vehicle.
Wangen, the organization’s treasurer, explains: “We used one, on a trial basis, to fight three grass fires last spring and found it solved a lot of problems for us.“
The 500 square-mile Harvey fire district includes the Lonetree Wildlife Management Area and hundreds of acres in the Conservation Reserve Program. Fire Chief Keith Olson explains the combination of tall, dry grass and wet, muddy ground makes it almost impossible (and dangerous) to drive heavy fire trucks or pickups “off-road” to fight grass fires. Olson says, “It’s almost impossible to see the wet spots in time to avoid getting stuck.”
“That’s where an all-terrain vehicle really ‘shines.’ It’s lightweight so it doesn’t easily get stuck; yet rugged enough to haul people and equipment, including a 50 gallon water tank and pump,” says Olson.
The vehicle, a BobCat/Club Cart Model 230, with a price tag of just over $9,800, will be delivered in late spring, just in time to be outfitted for this summer’s critical fire season.
Asst. Fire Chief Dave Lautt, who spearheaded the group’s fund raising activities, says the 40-member volunteer fire department has held several fund raisers, including a Dinner and Dance in January and two raffles to help raise money for the all-terrain vehicle.
According to Wangen, they have applied for a grant from the United States Forest Service to help pay for fire equipment; and they have received donations from several area telephone and electric cooperatives.
At its March meeting, the Northern Plains Electric Operation Round Up board approved their application for a $500 grant to help cover the project.
“The Harvey Fire Department is headquartered in town, but we serve many Northern Plains Electric members in rural areas,” says Wangen. “On behalf of all the Harvey Fire Department volunteers, I want to extend my thanks for your generous support of this worthwhile project.”
