The Santa Barbara Fire Department (SBFD) has acquired a new Pierce Arrow XT Aerial Ladder Truck, significantly enhancing its emergency response capabilities and long-term service readiness, the city reports.
The new ladder truck is equipped with a 107-foot aerial ladder, enabling firefighters to safely and effectively reach the upper floors of multi-story buildings for rescue and fire suppression operations, making it a versatile tool for both urban firefighting and technical rescue scenarios.
Designed with modern safety features, enhanced lighting, and greater storage capacity for tools and equipment, the ladder truck ensures the department remains equipped to meet the evolving needs of the community, the city said.
The Santa Barbara Fire Department invites the community to an unveiling ceremony 10-11 a.m. Friday, July 25 at Fire Station 1, 121 W. Carrillo St., the home of the new ladder truck. The vehicle will provide citywide coverage and support for structure fires, rescues, and mutual aid requests.
The unveiling will include the traditional “roll-in” ceremony, where the truck is ceremoniously pushed into the firehouse by hand, honoring a long-standing fire service tradition dating back to the days of horse-drawn engines.
“This will be a unique opportunity for the community to see the new truck up close, meet the firefighters who will operate it, and celebrate a major investment in public safety,” the city said.
The ladder truck was secured through a lease-to-own agreement, allowing the city to pay for the vehicle over a seven-year term that was initiated in 2022 and will finalize in 2029 for a total vehicle cost of $1,620,796.
The investment ensures financial flexibility while delivering essential public safety improvements today, the city said. A total of four fire apparatus were purchased under this lease-to-own program.
“This ladder truck is a critical addition to our fleet. It enhances our ability to respond to emergencies quickly and safely,” said Fire Chief Chris Mailes. “This investment reflects our commitment to protect Santa Barbara residents and visitors with the best tools and technology available.”
With proper care and maintenance, the new ladder truck is expected to serve our community for the next 25 years, supporting generations of firefighters and residents.
Founded in 1881, SBFD operates eight fire stations and serves the city with a dedicated team of highly trained personnel.
SBFD responds to more than 12,000 calls per year, providing fire suppression, emergency medical services, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, and disaster preparedness support.