VIDEO: With the monsoon bringing increased lightning activity, fire departments across Southern Arizona are preparing for the inevitable surge in wildland fires.
In Rio Rico, the fire district has recently acquired state-of-the-art equipment to enhance their firefighting capabilities.
During wildland fires, firefighters face immense challenges such as smoke, debris, and exhaustion, to name a few.
However, the new equipment Rio Rico Fire District recently rolled out is meant mitigate these obstacles — and more. One of the district's latest additions is a customized utility task vehicle (UTV) designed to keep firefighters cool and make triage easier in remote areas.
“Most importantly, what our firefighters love is the air conditioning,” noted Frank Granados, senior advisor for the Rio Rico Fire District.