Attachment C
Apparatus Replacement Plan
V i c t o r v i l l e F i r e
D e p a r t m e n t
Apparatus Replacement Strategic Plan
Strategic Objective
The objective of the Victorville Fire Department (VFD) Apparatus Replacement Plan is to provide the Executive Team with a comprehensive, data-driven apparatus replacement schedule. This plan ensures that the Department maintains a safe, reliable, and up to date fleet that supports effective emergency response, firefighter safety, and community risk reduction.
Introduction
To develop a comprehensive apparatus replacement plan, VFD first identified and assessed the current fleet’s status. The findings of this assessment, combined with internal and external stakeholder needs, industry standards, and fiscal realities, inform the following recommendations.
The plan considers:
1. Key Standards and Considerations
2. Fleet Lifecycle Considerations
3. Apparatus Replacement Justification
4. Apparatus Committee
5. Department Background and Current Fleet
6. Strategic Recommendations
7. Apparatus Replacement Schedule
8. Future Apparatus Needs Plan
Since 2019, VFD has invested $1.45 million in maintenance and repairs on its apparatus fleet. Much of the Department’s suppression fleet was carried over from the San Bernardino County Fire transition in 2019.
Frontline units currently range from less than 1 year to 5 years old, but reserve units are 10 and 20 years old. This aging fleet not only increases maintenance costs but also negatively impacts International Organization for Standardization (ISO) which directly influence insurance premiums and community risk assessments.
Key Standards and Considerations
NFPA Standards
NFPA 1901 requires that apparatus not meeting the 1991 standard be removed from frontline service and either upgraded or replaced.
NFPA recommends replacement of frontline apparatus every 10 years, transitioning to reserve status for 5 years or until 150,000 miles is reached.
FEMA Guidance
National data indicates that 50% of U.S. fire engines exceed 15 years of age, creating increased operational and safety concerns.
ISO Rating Factors
The age and condition of fire apparatus directly impact VFD’s ISO Public Protection Classification (PPC) score. ISO considers:
Needed fire flows
Emergency communications systems
Fire Department resources (equipment, staffing, training, and deployment) Water supply availability and performance
Fleet Lifecycle Considerations
1. Service Life
NFPA 1901 defines lifespan at 15 years or 150,000 miles.
Frontline service: 10 years → Reserve service: 5 years.
Actual service life influenced by call volume, mileage, pumping capacity, and wear.
Victorville’s current Type-1 engines will reach 150,000 miles at year 8.
ME312 and ME315(KME’s) have both been out of service for maintenance or repair approximately 365 days each.
2. Technological Life
Modern apparatus includes critical safety systems: rollover stability, ABS braking, traction control, speed management, cab integrity testing, and enhanced visibility features.
Reserve fleet units often lack these safety features, creating higher risk for firefighter injury.
3. Economic Life
Costs include depreciation, fuel, oil, maintenance, repairs, training, and downtime.
Over time, operating costs exceed replacement costs, making continued investment in older units inefficient.
Apparatus Replacement Justification
Fire apparatus have several unique features that differ from other municipal vehicles. Firefighters and the public depend on safe, reliable response vehicles equipped with modern safety systems and firefighting technology.
Since 2009, NFPA 1901 has mandated numerous safety and performance upgrades, including:
Rollover stability systems
Tire pressure monitoring
Seat belt warning and extended restraints
Cab crash integrity testing
Enhanced step/work surface lighting
Retroreflective rear striping
Performance requirements for acceleration and braking
Older units do not meet these standards, creating unnecessary risks and liability for the department and the City.
Apparatus Committee
The Victorville Fire Department has an apparatus committee made up of 11 personnel to provide the fire department with well-informed, data-driven recommendations on fire engine design, replacement, and acquisition that balance operational effectiveness, firefighter safety, fiscal responsibility, and long-term sustainability.
Membership
Chairperson: Chief Espinoza
Fleet/Mechanic Representative: Jacob Patino, Javier Prieto Suppression Division Representatives: Captain, Scott Torres, Captain, Carlos Torres, and Engineer, Shara Aivazi
Training Officer: Chief Espinoza
Finance/Administration Liaison: Karem Ostrom
Safety Officer: Chief Roach
Department Background and Current Fleet
The Victorville Fire Department serves a 74-square-mile jurisdiction with a population exceeding 140,000 residents. Frontline fleet operates from five stations; the daily fleet includes:
5 Type I Engines
3 Paramedic Squads; Transport capable
1 Tiller Truck; Tractor drawn ariel
1 Battalion Chief Unit
1 Type-3 Engine
1 Tactical Water Tender
Reserve apparatus include:
2006 Pierce Enforcer (5 years past recommended life cycle). 2006 Pierce Saber (5 years past recommended life cycle). 2015 KME Predator (4 years from the end-of-life cycle). 2006 Pierce Dash Ladder Truck (End of life cycle)
As an All-Risk Fire Department, VFD provides fire suppression, EMS, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, and wildland firefighting. Modern apparatus must carry an expanding inventory of Advanced Life Support (ALS) equipment, rescue tools, hazardous materials gear, and wildland firefighting supplies.
This expansion of required equipment, coupled with the City’s growth, necessitates a structured apparatus replacement plan to ensure reliable, timely, and effective service delivery.
Proposed Apparatus Replacement Schedule
Apparatus Replacement Cycle (By Type) NFPA 1911
Apparatus Type Frontline Service Reserve Service Maximum Service Life
Type 1 Engines
(Pumper)
8 years 7 years ~15 years total
Ladder Trucks
(Aerials)
12 years 8 years ~20 years total
Type 3 Engines
(Wildland)
12–15 years 5–10 years ~25 years total
Rescue/Medic Units
Ambulance/Squad
7–10 years ~3–5 years ~12–15 years total
Command/Staff
Vehicles
10–12 years — 10–12 years total
Tenders/Water
Tenders
12–15 years 5–10 years ~25 years total
Current Frontline/Reserve Apparatus Replacement
Schedule
Replacement
Year
Apparatus Current
Age(years)
Recommended Action Estimated
Cost
2026 ME312 6 Reserve $1,200,000
2026 4301V 6 Repurpose $125,000
2027 ME315 6 Reserve $1,200,000
2027 E314A 21 Surplus
2027 E315A 20 Surplus
2027 T311A 20 Surplus/Refurb. $2,500,000**
2028 BP312 N/A Resource addition $450,000
2029 E312A 11 Reserve $1,500,000**
2031 ME311 3 Reserve $1,500,000**
2031 ME313 3 Reserve $1,500,000**
2031 ME314 3 Reserve $1,500,000**
2031 4310V 5 Surplus/Repurpose $175,000**
2031 4311V 5 Surplus/Repurpose $175,000**
2031 4312V 5 Surplus/Repurpose $175,000**
Command Staff Replacement
Replacement
Year
Apparatus Current
Age(years)
Recommended
Action
Estimated Cost
2032 4309V 4 Repurpose $175,000**
2035 4300V 1 Repurpose $175,000**
2035 MS311 1 Reserve $600,000**
2035 MS312 1 Reserve $600,000**
2035 MS315 1 Reserve $600,000**
2040 MT311 2 Reserve $2,500,000**
2045 WT311 New Reserve $1,000,000
Auxiliary Vehicles
Replacement
Year
Apparatus Current
Age(years)
Recommended
Action
Estimated Cost
2027 UT314 21 $60,000
2027 EMS Utility 21 Surplus Repurpose
4301V
2028 HM314 8 Replace with
Type-2 Hazmat
$750,000
2028 BP312 N/A Resource
addition
$450,000
2031 BS313 6 Repurpose $100,000
2033 RQ311 8 Replace with
Type-2 Rescue
$750,000
2033 BE314 8 Reserve $900,000**
2034 EMS 4320 8 Surplus $75,000**
Replacement
Year
Apparatus Current
Age(years)
Recommended
Action
Estimated Cost
2035 UT311 6 Surplus/Repurpose $75,000**
2035 UT313 6 Surplus/Repurpose $75,000**
** indicates price is an estimate based off past inflation.
Alternative Options
As the fire apparatus industry remains backlogged with custom apparatus, which remain at approximately 47 to 50 months currently, alternative options remain at the top of discussion across the fire service. The apparatus committee have delivered options that include:
Purchasing Type 1 stock engines from Pierce as they become available; less than 6 months.
Refurbishing older apparatus to extend their life past 20 years. Best option would be T311A initially. Majority of this option will be handled by fleet services.
Strategic Recommendations
Adopt an 8-Year Replacement Cycle – Align frontline replacements with NFPA recommendations, transitioning units to reserve status before 150,000 miles/8 years.
Continue Annual Capital Allocation –The apparatus replacement fund is instrumental in planning appropriate apparatus replacement. Evaluate if the current annual allocation is adequate for future needs.
Purchase two Type-1 engines- Replace ME312, and ME315 and move the current KME’s into reserve status. Surplus E314A and E315A as new apparatus arrive.
Pursue Grant Funding – Actively seek FEMA AFG (Assistance to Firefighters Grant) and state funding to offset costs.
Prioritize Safety and Technology – Replace older units lacking rollover stability, ABS, and other critical safety features.
Maintain ISO Readiness – Ensure apparatus investments support favorable ISO ratings, reducing community insurance costs.
Purchase Type 6(Brush patrol)- Purchase Type 6 apparatus to serve the Mojave River and other urban interface areas.
Purchase Truck Company- A second ladder truck is needed on the southwest area of the City of Victorville to ensure response time objectives are met.
Apparatus Replacement Schedule
1. Current fund balance= $2,325,000
2. Fund Balance at 10 years= $9,300,000
3. Estimated apparatus replacement cost over 10 years= $12,900,000 M E 3 1 1
2 0 2 3 P i e r c e P U C
M i l e a g e : 2 1 , 6 6 5
M T 3 1 1 2 0 2 4 P i e r c e T D A
M i l e a g e : 9 , 1 2 9
M E 3 1 3
2 0 2 3 P i e r c e P U C
M i l e a g e : 2 3 , 6 6 4
M S 3 1 1
2 0 2 3 I n t e r n a t i o n a l C V 5 1 5
M i l e a g e : 8 , 9 4 4
M E 3 1 2
2 0 1 9 K M E P r e d a t o r
M i l e a g e : 8 3 , 5 7 3
M S 3 1 5
I n t e r n a t i o n a l C V 5 1 5
M i l e a g e : 9 , 4 9 1
M E 3 1 5
2 0 1 9 K M E P r e d a t o r
M i l e a g e : 9 2 , 0 5 0
M S 3 1 2
2 0 2 3 I n t e r n a t i o n a l C V 5 1 5
M i l e a g e : 8 , 7 4 7
M E 3 1 4
2 0 2 3 P i e r c e P U C
M i l e a g e : 2 0 , 2 6 0
F r o n t l i n e A p p a r a t u s
E 3 1 5 A
2 0 0 6 P i e r c e E n f o r c e r
M i l e a g e : 2 9 6 , 2 8 4
E 3 1 2 A
2 0 1 5 K M E P r e d a t o r
M i l e a g e : 1 3 2 , 7 8 2
E 3 1 4 A
2 0 0 6 P i e r c e S a b o r
M i l e a g e : 2 1 , 4 2 5
T 3 1 1 A
2 0 0 6 P i e r c e D a s h
M i l e a g e : 1 6 2 , 5 2 5
R e s e r v e A p p a r a t u s
E 3 1 5 A
2 0 0 6 P i e r c e
M i l e a g e : 2 5 0 , 0 0 0
B E 3 1 4
2 0 1 8 B M E 7 4 0 0 S F A 4 x 4
M i l e a g e : 3 2 , 7 7 0
O E 6 3 1 5
2 0 2 0 B M E I n t e r n a t i o n a l
M i l e a g e : 3 0 , 3 0 2
O E S 6 1 1 0
2 0 2 4 H M E
M i l e a g e : 3 , 3 2 6
B r u s h / O E S E n g i n e s
W T 3 1 1
2 0 2 6 B M E W a t e r T e n d e r ( 1 , 8 5 0 g a l t a n k ) M i l e a g e : 6 0 0
B C 4 3 1 0
2 0 2 1 F o r d E x p e d i t i o n
M i l e a g e : 1 6 , 8 7 1
B C 4 3 1 1
2 0 2 1 F o r d E x p e d i t i o n
M i l e a g e : 1 5 , 7 2 8
B C 4 3 0 9
2 0 2 2 F o r d F 2 5 0
M i l e a g e : 2 8 , 4 9 0
B C 4 3 1 2
2 0 2 1 F o r d E x p e d i t i o n
M i l e a g e : 1 3 , 2 6 8
C H 4 3 0 0
2 0 2 4 F o r d E x p e d i t i o n
M i l e a g e : 3 , 5 0 0
D P 4 3 0 1
2 0 2 0 D o d g e D u r a n g o
M i l e a g e : 7 3 , 2 6 0
C o m m a n d S t a f f
U T 3 1 3
2 0 2 0 F o r d F 3 5 0
M i l e a g e : 2 7 , 9 6 7
B S 3 1 3
2 0 2 1 E a g l e A i r A Q 1 0 S 3 C 3 E
H o u r s : 1 5 9 . 6
R Q 3 1 1
2 0 1 8 F o r d F 4 5 0 X L
M i l e a g e : 7 9 , 1 8 8
U T 3 1 1
2 0 2 0 F o r d F 2 5 0
M i l e a g e : 3 6 , 0 7 6
H M 3 1 4
2 0 1 8 F o r d F 4 5 0
M i l e a g e : 1 3 3 , 3 9 8
U T 3 1 4
2 0 0 6 F o r d F 1 5 0
M i l e a g e : 1 2 7 , 6 6 7
A u x i l a r y A p p a r a t u s
E M S 4 3 2 0
2 0 1 9 F o r d E x p l o r e r
M i l a g e : 7 5 , 0 0 8
E M S U t i l i t y
2 0 0 6 F o r d E x p e d i t i o n
M i l a g e : 1 3 8 , 6 4 7
Conclusion
The Victorville Fire Department’s ability to respond safely and effectively depends on a reliable, modern apparatus fleet. By adopting this Apparatus Replacement Strategic Plan, the city will protect its firefighters, maintain community trust, and ensure compliance with NFPA, FEMA, and ISO standards.
A structured, phased replacement schedule balances fiscal responsibility with operational necessity, reducing long-term costs while ensuring readiness for the growing needs of Victorville’s residents and visitors.
The city has invested tremendously in bringing our current fleet up to par. The primary issue we hold today is the age of our reserve fleet and the reoccurring issues with the KME’s at fire station’s 312 and 315. These two apparatus have been out of service a full year out of their five-year utilization.
Proactively, we can move apparatus around to manage their mileage and the wear and tear, as we recently did by swapping ME313 and ME315. Apparatus refurbishment is another option to extend the life as we move apparatus into reserve status.
As we grow, and additional service is required, we will update this Apparatus Replacement Strategic Plan to manage additional needs.