The Big Moose Fire Company’s fire boat has recently experienced a series of upgrades through the combined efforts of Big Moose fire personnel, the Town of Webb Fire Commis-sioners, and Dunn’s Boat Service.
Big Moose Fire Co. Fire Boat with, from left, Ken Hinckley owner of Dunn’s Boat Service; Fire Chief Jason Pratt; TOW Fire Commissioner Jeff Ossont; TOW Fire Commissioner Pete Croneiser and Asst. Chief Craig Smith. Also shown are two future volunteers. Courtesy photo
The fire boat, the first of its kind in Herkimer county when it was first put into service in 1950, is essential to the fire company as 25 percent of the properties on Big Moose Lake are boat-access only. Also, several properties are difficult to access due to poor private road conditions
Because of the fire boat, Big Moose personnel are able to respond faster, establish an initial attack, and establish a constant water supply at the time of a fire emergency.
Through a donation from Dunn’s Boat Service, the fire boat received a 2008 90hp Evinrude E-Tec motor including controls and a two-year warranty. These motors are turnkey starting and at the leading edge of emissions and maximizing horsepower.
Dunn’s also donated half of the labor to install the motor and performed several other upgrades. Upgrades included new pump mounts, new hose beds, onboard charger, master power switch, internal gas tank, interior paint job, new wiring and several LED lights for visibility.
The 18-foot aluminum hull boat is equipped with two 150 gallon per minute pumps with one set-up for attack and the other for water supply/attack.
The boat also carries an additional 200 feet of three-inch hose, 200 feet of 1-3/4” hose, an EMT Jump Bag, Automatic External Defoliator (AED), backboard and other rescue equipment.
Dunn’s will also house the fire boat in the west slip of their boathouse for its six months of service, from May through October.
The Big Moose Fire Co., in cooperation with Big Moose Ambulance Co., provides Fire Suppression and Rescue service in the hamlets of Big Moose, Stillwater, Twitchell Lake and Beaver River in a remote northern part of the Town of Webb in northern Herkimer county.
With its High-Rail Rescue Unit, Big Moose also provides EMS and rescue coverage along 32 miles of the Adirondack Scenic Railroad from Carter Station to Sabattis.
