The Fridley Fire Department has bought a new fire engine at a cost of nearly $500,000. After six years of budgeting and planning, the department took possession of the state-of-the-art engine in January. It can pump 1,500 gallons of water per minute.

Made by Rosenbauer America in Wyoming, Minn., it replaces a 1991 engine used at Station 3. The city tries to replace engines about every 20 years.

The engine has more features to improve firefighter safety, said Chief John Berg. A high-volume nozzle on the top of the engine is run remotely. Hoses are also located lower on the engine so they can be accessed on the ground. Before, firefighters had to climb onto the engine to get to them.

The 32-foot-long engine carries 2,150 feet of hose, 500 gallons of water and 30 gallons of foam concentrate. It can handle six firefighters.

Shannon Prather

@stribshannon