Burns Fire Department welcomes new Ladder 112 with traditional “Push-In” ceremony

BURNS-The Burns Fire Department officially welcomed its newest apparatus, Ladder 112, into service following a traditional “push-in” ceremony. Firefighters, city officials, and community members gathered at the station to take part in the ritual, marking a significant upgrade to the area’s emergency response capabilities.

The push-in ceremony is a time-honored tradition in the fire service with roots stretching back to the 18th century. Long before motorized engines, 18th-century firefighters relied on horse-drawn or hand-drawn equipment that could not be reversed into station bays. After returning from a call, crew members had to physically push the heavy apparatus backward into the firehouse—a practice that evolved into a celebratory welcome for new equipment today.

Ladder 112 brings modern functionality to the department as a “Quint” ladder truck. This dual-purpose emergency vehicle combines the capabilities of a traditional fire engine—complete with a water pump, tank, and fire hose—with an aerial ladder. By housing these tools in a single unit, the department gains versatility and enhanced operational efficiency when responding to incidents across the region.

Department leadership expressed deep appreciation to the partners who made the acquisition and deployment possible. Key thanks were extended to the City of Burns Manager and administrative staff for securing funding and logistics, as well as the Coos Bay Fire Department for providing the opportunity to acquire the truck. Additionally, local technicians at The Hines Truck Shop donated extensive hours to inspect the vehicle, resolve known mechanical issues, and ensure the truck met top safety standards before going live.

With Ladder 112 now officially staged in the bay, the Burns Fire Department enters a new chapter of community protection, backed by updated equipment and strong local collaboration.

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Elkhorn Media Group