Supervisor Don Knabe is pleased to announce the addition of a new firefighting vehicle to the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s fleet on Catalina Island.

The new Type III Wildland Engine was specifically designed to traverse through the rough terrain of Catalina Island while carrying a large amount of water. With a capacity of 700 gallons, the Catalina Type III Pumper engine holds more water than standard pumpers, and can tilt up to 27 degrees without rolling over. When connected to a water source, the engine can pump out 750 gallons of water per minute.

“This new engine will give our fire crews an upper hand when battling brush fires in the remote areas of Catalina Island,” said Supervisor Knabe. “It is important for fire crews to be well-equipped to battle wildfires until help from the mainland arrives.”

The engine is currently being outfitted with radios and equipment and will be in service on Catalina Island by December 1, 2011.