HAUSER — After more than 50 years of existence, the Hauser Lake Fire Protection District has its first new engine.

Thanks to a federal grant and community donations, a $265,000, 30-foot fire engine has arrived at Hauser’s station to replace a 1975 model.

“It’s fantastic,” said Chief Larry Simms. “It will make our job safer and provide better service to the community, which is what it’s all about.”

Simms said the new engine won’t be any additional cost to taxpayers.

“We’ve really tried to keep costs as minimal as possible to taxpayers,” Simms said.

A grant from the Department of Homeland Security was for $245,000. Community donations from the Hauser Smoke Shop, Kootenai Electric, Hauser Lake Water Association, DeMeester and DeMeester Property Management helped fund the rest, Simms said.

The new engine has compressed air foam capability, enhanced lighting for night scenes and meets all current fire standards, something the old truck didn’t, Simms said.

The engine will also be used on auto accident and emergency medical calls.

“I am proud and grateful for all of the district volunteers and the tremendous job they have done in working to obtain the grant and deciding what we needed in a truck that will serve the community for many years to come,” Simms said. “This has been nearly a year in the making and without the volunteers, district commissioners and community support, this would never have happened."

Simms said the district had applied for the grant before. The district had two other engines before — 1936 and 1953 models that were used when the district bought them.

The district also has a brush truck, two water tender and an ambulance.

Simms said the new engine is also available for mutual aid calls with districts such as Northern Lakes and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue.

“It really benefits the entire community," Simms said.

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