Community donations buy updated equipment for Auburn City Fire Department

The Auburn City Fire Department received an equipment upgrade this week, thanks to a donation from the Mother Lode Model T Club. The club's $2,000 donation has purchased a new electric fan, which is used to clear out smoke and toxic gases from incidents. "Typically, we'll use it to clear an atmosphere," Fire Chief Dave Spencer said. "We use a pressure fan that will pressurize the air inside the home or residence and then we'll open up a pathway or exit and force all that air out of there." Spencer said before clearing out the toxic gases, the fire department has to use its breathing apparatus, which can slow operations. "This is a critical piece of equipment that can help us ensure that a home doesn't leave residents living in an exposed environment," Spencer said. The new fan replaces a 20-year-old gas-powered fan. Firefighter Cole Davis explained the old fan, since it is gas-powered, would have its own emissions. It could only be used outside to clear a whole house at once. "So if you have a single confined room, the new electric fan can work small confined spaces," he said. Davis also said the new unit is lighter and easier to move. The wheels on the equipment "are going to make this a lot easier," he said. Auburn City Fire officers sang the fan's praises this week as Model T Club members presented the department with a check. "It's all about quickness, and that's what we're all about," said Buck Sims. "The quicker we can go to an incident and stabilize it, the better." Fire Captain Erik Croft agreed. "This is a nice upgrade to our equipment," he said. "We can't do this without the support of the community. This isn't ours, it's yours. We are fortunate to be able to drive the pretty fire engine and use the tools. But we should be thanking you guys." Spencer estimated the department probably uses the fan in about 40 percent of its incidents. The Mother Lode Model T Club is a non-profit organization of 60 Model T Ford enthusiasts. They fundraise for the community each year through their annual Swap Meet, held the first weeked in June at the Gold Country Fairgrounds. For more information about the Mother Lode Model T Club, visit motherlodemodelt.com.