MonArk Delivers Fire Boat To Memphis Fire Department

The Memphis Fire Department had two major requirements when ordering its new fire boat; the craft should be small enough for trailer mounting to give it land mobility but also be large enough to respond to a variety of marine fire problems confronting the department.

The boat has to be available to fight marine fires that occur at the Mud Island Marina on the Mississippi River as well as fires at Mc- Kellar Lake.

To achieve this flexibility the boat will be stationed aboard a specially designed trailer.

It is easier and faster to reach either location by land rather than the circuitous water route.

The fire department took possession of the new craft recently from MonArk Boat Co. of Monticello, Ark., which manufactured the vessel to the department's specifications.

The boat is powered by twin model 6BT 5.9 Cummins marine diesel engines. A third identical engine will drive the fire pump, they are part of the new Cummins small diesel engine series. All three engines operate at 152 hp at 2,500 rpm. The fuel efficient B-series engines were produced at the Rocky Mountain plant of Consolidated Diesel Corp. in a joint venture with Cummins Engine Co. and J.I. Case Co.

The craft which has attained a speed of 28 miles per hour upstream and 33 mph downstream will be based at the downtown fire department headquarters. It will remain on the trailer at all times except when it is used in responding to fire emergencies on the river or lake.

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