Tactical Fire

Lavina Volunteer Fire Department - Fireboat 1
The Department Conducts Its First River Operation

It's been a wet spring and the river is as deep as it gets and the Department has taken delivery of a new 114 foot fireboat. Fire Chief Bob Pallas reports that the new boat is outstanding and a dream-come-true for the department. He mentions that he is a bit concerned about navigating the Musselshell River later in the season. It is likely that Fireboat 1 will become hung up on a sandbar by mid August.

Here's an unusual aerial shot of Fireboat 1with all the deck guns wide open and pumping 17,000GPM. Fireboat 1 is down river from Lavina, Montana and is undergoing its first annual operations test. Department turnout was heavy as every member wanted to participate in the test. Many citizens of Lavina crowded the river banks for a better view of this rare sight.

Here's a photo of Fireboat 1 responding to an oil rig incident over by Mosby, on the border between Garfield & Petroleum Counties. Who'd imagine such a sight near Mosby, Montana? When all was said and done, roughly 9.6 million gallons of water had been placed on the fire by Fireboat 1. Damage to the rig was contained in less than 14 hours and was estimated at $1.9 million. Mosby residents were very appreciative of the LVFD's mutual aid response. After the incident, the LVFD hosted an on-deck BBQ, featuring their famous burgers.

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