This week a new Snowcat was placed in service at Fire Station 14 in the community of Wrightwood. The new 2021 PistenBully Snowcat replaces an aging Snowcat that served for more than 20 years.
Snowcat vehicles are vital emergency vehicles in our mountain areas when snow and ice conditions don’t allow a conventional fire/rescue response. A Snowcat (short for snow and caterpillar) is an enclosed-cab, truck-sized, fully tracked vehicle designed to move on snow. San Bernardino County Fire deploys a large fleet of Snowcat vehicles, which are strategically placed across our snow prone mountain areas.
In 2014 #SBCoFD Snowcats were pivotal in rescuing more than 130 stranded motorists on Highway 138. Multiple Snowcats were able to access, rescue and transport them to safety.
Specifications:
- 2021 PistenBully Snowcat PB100
- Cummins QSB 6.7L Turbo Diesel Meets current EPA emissions standards.
- Hydrostatic driven track system
- Intuitive joystick controls
- Front Cab features seating for two, roll over protection and a roof mounted escape hatch
- Personnel Cabin with Roll over protection and escape hatch, holds 8-10 persons and accommodates 2 stokes baskets.
- 10’ Wide plow blade fully adjustable via in-cab joystick controller
- Digital 800 and VHF Radios with wireless headset communication
- iPad based mobile data computer (MDC) system
- Snowplow
- 15,000lb winch with front and rear mounts
- Rescue equipment compliment for ice and back country rescues
- Side entry rear cabin with adaptable seating area
- Stokes Basket and restraint system for rear cabin.
“We are excited for this versatile, life-saving piece of equipment to be placed into service for our Tri-Community residents and visitors.” Says Assistant Chief Dave Corbin, who overseas operations in the area. Station 14 personnel have been busy this week familiarizing themselves with the apparatus to ensure they are ready for their first response.
Contact- Mike McClintock, BC / PIO, Mmcclintock@sbcfire.org
