ATLANTA — Atlanta Fire Rescue could be showing up to its next emergency with a first-ever all-electric fire truck as its foundation works quickly to raise money for the fleet.
It comes after the Atlanta City Council approved $18 million in funds to get the department new equipment following a few station closures. The equipment and fleets funded by the city won't arrive any time soon as the department continues to face critical equipment shortages.
The department's current vehicles are reportedly getting old and engines are breaking down too often. In that same thought, firefighters are also relieved about the allocated money. But now, everyone understands there is no “overnight delivery” of the specialized equipment that Atlanta firefighters need.
The Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation would also help raise money for other quick-response electric vehicles for the department.
An electric engine would be a big step toward sustainability for the department. The foundation said Georgia has been at the forefront of providing electric vehicle solutions.
"EVs provide so many solutions, from the reduction in carcinogens. Also, these vehicles require 50% less maintenance than diesel engines, and so there's so many benefits," said CEO Taos Wynn with the foundation.
Once enough funds are raised, the engine would be the first on the east coast. The fleet forward campaign is looking to raise $3 million. Norfolk Southern Railway, the transport company, has already donated $500,000 to the foundation.
If enough funds are raised, the all-electric could be operational by the middle of 2024 which would beat out the current equipment shipment which is not expected for another 18 to 36 months.