The Paris (Maine) Fire Department is proud to introduce the latest upgrades to our fleet of emergency apparatus. We're especially excited to showcase our new command vehicle and our upgraded forestry truck, Forestry 1.

For many years, our department relied on a 1987 2½-ton “Red 6x6,” generously donated by a supportive town resident. This rugged vehicle served us well, battling wildfires in some of Maine’s most remote forests and mountainous terrain. After decades of hard work, it was time for an upgrade.

We’re thrilled to announce the arrival of our new Forestry 1 — a 1990 AM General 6x6 affectionately known as “New Yeller.” This upgraded truck features an automatic transmission, a heating system, increased ground clearance, super single tires in place of dual rears, an air brake system, and power steering—making it far more capable and comfortable in the field.

Alongside this, we’ve also added a new command vehicle: a 2023 Chevy Tahoe. With a spacious interior, improved off-road capabilities, and enhanced maneuverability, this vehicle is a significant step forward for our operations. It replaces our long-serving 2013 Ford Explorer, which faithfully served South Paris and the surrounding communities for over 11 years.

Our previous command vehicle, affectionately known as "Old Reliable," endured a serious T-bone collision on the driver’s side late in its service life. Remarkably, it was repaired and remained in use for another two years. However, recognizing the increasing demands of our work, we felt it was time to retire the Explorer and welcome a new era of command response with the Tahoe.

These additions reflect our ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of our fire department in all types of emergencies. We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support of our community as we work to serve you better every day.