Gaston Rural Fire District

Gaston Fire has added a new pumper to its fleet.

The sleek new Pierce Contender will replace Engine 1173, which was built in 1983 and nearly destroyed in a fire at the station that same year.

A federal grant paid $250,000 of the vehicle's $300,000 price tag. The pumper carries 750 gallons of water and is powered by a Cummins diesel engine. It can pump up to 1,500 gallons per minute.

The pumper joins engines 1171 and 1172, each built in 1993. Firefighters will begin responding to calls in the new engine after being thoroughly trained in its operation.

Engine 1173 will be sold.