Milan Fire Unveils Critical Fire Suppression Tool

MILAN, N.M. – State Representative Eliseo Lee Alcon (Cibola & McKinley Counties - District 6) joined Village of Milan Fire Chief, Daniel Urioste, Milan Mayor, Felix Gonzales, Milan Trustee James Mercer, Assistant Fire Chief Michael Rivera, and Milan fire fighter-in-training, Isaac Gutierrez, for the unveiling of the new Can-Am Defender ATV. “I went with this model because it’s safer. The enclosed cab protects fire fighters from smoke,” Fire Chief Urioste said at the Milan Fire House on Tuesday.

The $50,000.00 ATV comes equipped with a fire pump, a foam induction system, 70 gallons of water, a 20 ft. drafting hose that can be dropped into a nearby stream or river to siphon water from and then refill the water tank, a stokes basket (mobile gurney) to transport the wounded to an ambulance, flashing emergency lights, reflective decals, heat and a/c. There are only three of these vehicles in the county, according to the chief, and they are badly needed. “Last year we could’ve used this to fight fires in the Zuni Mountains,” Assistant Fire Chief Rivera said. The specially-equipped ATV will allow the fire department to reach remote areas that are just too hard for a truck to maneuver. It will also enable the fire department to climb steep hills in an urban or rural setting. Medical rescues in remote locations are now possible with the use of the stokes basket. “We’re gonna add our own tool rack to house more tools. That’s the next step,” Fire Chief Urioste added.

The purchase of this specialized ATV was made possible from Representative Alcon’s “junior” money. The appropriations bill, often called the “Junior” bill because it was an add on to the state budget, enables state lawmakers to allocate funds that address critical community needs. They are generally specific projects within agencies.