Living In The Future: Denton Introduces Texas’ First Electric Fire Truck

In a step toward a more sustainable future, the Denton Fire Department rolled out the Lone Star State’s first electric fire truck — and it’s doing it with style and ceremony. In April, the department hosted a “push-in” event at Fire Station 1, inviting the community to take part in a time-honored firefighting tradition that’s getting a 21st-century upgrade.

Tradition Meets The Future

The push-in ceremony, rooted in firefighting history, allows community members and firefighters alike to wipe down the new engine and physically push it into its bay. It’s a symbolic act that marks the truck’s official entry into active service.

“The addition of Texas’ first electric fire truck marks a new era for the Denton Fire Department and the future of emergency response,” said Denton Fire Chief Kenneth Hedges in an official statement. “We are proud to be at the forefront of this innovation.”

Built by Pierce Manufacturing in Appleton, Wisconsin, the new Pierce Volterra electric pumper is packed with cutting-edge technology. The engine can operate with zero emissions while driving in EV mode and actively pumping water at fire scenes, a major innovation for emergency response vehicles. For added reliability, it also includes a backup diesel engine that provides seamless power redundancy when needed.

The city of Denton paid $1.8 million for the electric engine, roughly $600,000 more than a traditional diesel-powered truck. The cost difference was covered in part by Denton’s sustainability fund, which supports projects aligned with the city’s climate and environmental goals.

A Powerful Home For A Powerful Truck

Fittingly, the truck’s new home,  Fire Station 1 at 332 East Hickory Street , is itself a symbol of Denton’s electric legacy. The station sits on the site of the 1935 Hickory Street Diesel Plant, the city’s first electric power facility. Firefighters have nicknamed the station “The Powerhouse,” making it a meaningful launchpad for the state’s first electric fire truck.

With the arrival of this new engine, Denton is the first city in Texas to place a Volterra electric fire truck into frontline service. But it won’t be alone for long. DFW International Airport recently introduced electric Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicles, and Dallas Fire-Rescue is set to receive its first Volterra fire engine this July.

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