Anchorage Assembly approves $1.2 million for two fire tenders to replace aging trucks

The Anchorage Assembly approved buying two fire tender engines for up to $1.23 million Tuesday, at the request of Mayor Suzanne LaFrance's administration. The purchase passed without objection on the consent agenda, a group of routine items approved together in one motion.

The new water supply trucks will replace Tenders 8 and 9 at Stations 8 and 9, as Alaska News reported Oct. 15. The current tenders are more than 25 years old, past the National Fire Protection Association's recommended 25-year service limit, according to a fire department memo. Each replacement will carry a 2,000-gallon water tank and a 750-gallon-per-minute pump.

Rosenbauer South Dakota quoted $613,332 per truck through Sourcewell, which competitively solicited the contract. The 15% discount from list price saves the city about $216,000, the administration says. Rosenbauer also offered a further $76,000 discount if the city prepays in full within 30 days of the order. Delivery to the Port of Alaska is expected within 600 days of the order.

Anchorage Fire Service Area bonds will cover the cost: about $458,000 from 2025 and $768,000 from 2026, according to the Assembly memorandum. Fire Chief Doug Schrage recommended the purchase. The fire department will evaluate the old tenders for possible reserve service.