Here’s an update on our 2026 Type VI Fire Engine build project.
In January, we took delivery on a professional-quality wildfire slip-in fire pump from our longest-running sponsor, QTAC. I didn’t have a suitable four-wheel drive truck to put it into, so we put it in my 2WD pickup and used it to support several local landowner burns.
We asked Lookout supporters to help us upgrade to a 4WD truck, and they came thru. Yesterday I drove to Sacramento and bought a 2008 Dodge RAM 3500 4WD pickup. It is pretty much exactly what I was looking for.
We also asked our supporters to help us outfit the truck with all of the hose, nozzles, brass (hose adapters, etc), and folks came thru with a bunch of equipment that we were looking for!
Next steps: I’ll be cleaning out my old truck, and selling it to pay for upgrades and supplies for the new truck (toolboxes, flatbed, lumber rack, larger tires).
I’ll set up the new pump on the new truck, and it’ll be available to support winter and spring burns in Northern California.
We could still use some donations to expedite the build-out of the new truck. This being winter, The Lookout’s cashflow isn’t super loose, and if we can raise a little money now, I can move ahead with things like the flatbed and tires sooner than later.
You can donate via PayPal, or mail us a check!
The video below lays out our original proposal – it explains what a Type VI engine is, and why we are building one.
Here is a video from QTAC about the Tsunami Pro Series slip-in pump they traded to us for an annual Lookout sponsorship.
What We Need to Do Next:
- [ ] Sell my existing two-wheel-drive pickup and apply proceeds toward a flatbed, toolboxes, plumbing, tires.