CFD invites you to welcome newest fire engine

The Columbus Fire Department will be taking delivery of a new fire engine.

You are invited to attend a special ceremony to welcome the new Fire Engine 6 on Monday, Dec. 9 at Fire Station 6, located at 1900 W. 450 S. The event will begin at 5 p.m. and is expected to last around 30 minutes. As part of this celebration, attendees will also be invited to an open house of the recently renovated fire station 6, following the ceremony.

Within the Fire Service, this upcoming ceremony is commonly referred to as a Wet-down ceremony. CFD officials say this tradition goes back to the era when fire pumpers were powered by hand. Following a fire, the horses would be separated from the pumper cart and both horse and pumper would be washed by the firefighters. After this “bath”, the pumper would be pushed into the station ready for the next fire. You are invited to take part in the celebration.

The replacement apparatus is a custom Quint manufactured by E-One. The new engine will carry up to four firefighters and has been outfitted with a full complement of firefighting gear as well as Advanced Life Support medical and trauma equipment. The City of Columbus purchased the engine for $ 847,000.

The apparatus currently serving as Engine 6 was purchased by the city in 1998. CFD officials say this vehicle will be reassigned to the reserve fleet, and will be utilized as a backup emergency response vehicle.