Oregon gives Eugene-Springfield Fire rugged disaster vehicle built in Bend

SALEM, Ore. — The Office of Emergency Management has awarded fire departments in Eugene-Springfield and 5 other Oregon communities with new high-axle, all-terrain vehicles designed and built in Bend.

"The road-legal vehicles can access flooded areas, navigate rugged terrain and perform water rescues; they can also serve as brush rigs to fight small grass fires and other types of small, outdoor fires," according to the state. "Recent flooding and wildfire conditions have increased the need for the vehicles."

The vehicles are designed and manufactured in Oregon in Bend by CORE (Commander Off-Road Equipment), a division of EarthCruiser.

They are being provided through the State Preparedness and Incident Response Equipment Grant. The grant, established by the Oregon Legislature in 2017, funds the purchase and distribution of equipment to be used during an emergency to decrease the risk for loss of life and property damage.

The six vehicles are headed to the Aurora Fire District, Cannon Beach Fire District, Eugene Springfield Fire, Evans Valley Fire District #6, Hoodland Fire District #74 and Warrenton Fire Dept.

“The SPIRE Grant provides practical equipment that can save lives and property during emergencies by allowing for a more efficient response at the local level,” said Jim Jungling, OEM Grants Coordinator.

“We’ve been working closely with Business Oregon to identify more local and regional companies, like EarthCruiser, that can serve as partners for procurement of the equipment,” he added. “While it’s not always possible to buy local, we do prioritize it, both to support the economy and to save money on equipment delivery.”

In addition to the CORE Vehicles, equipment purchased through the grant has included generators, fuel tankers, big-water rescue boats, a low-water rescue boat, rescue jet skis, mass casualty trailers and water purification trailers.

"While the state purchases the equipment, the awardee is responsible for the maintenance, staffing and response," according to OEM. "The state retains the option to request use of the equipment elsewhere if an emergency occurs."