Colfax seeks grant for new fire pickup

COLFAX — The Colfax Fire Department is seeking a FEMA grant to replace a pickup with one to be outfitted for wildland firefighting capabilities.

The federal grant program for major equipment is a 5 percent match.

“If we shoot for the moon, it would be $15,000 for us, and we can go down from there,” said Fire Department Officer in Charge Jake Smith.

The deadline to apply is Feb. 12.

Smith told the city council on Monday the vehicle could be a money-making venture as it and a crew may be made available to rent by state organizations such as the Department of Natural Resources during wildfires around the state.

“It’s not uncommon to net $20,000-$30,000 on these trips,” Smith said.