As grass fire season approaches, the Watrous fire crew has made a big-time upgrade to their fleet.

On March 12, the Watrous Fire Department announced the purchase of a new Brush 5 Wildland Operations Vehicle. This new fire unit will replace the old 1976 dodge, known as Engine 2.

"To be able to upgrade to something like this is great. There are only a few of these models in the province and the quilty is absolutely top-notch," said Jory Vanthuyne, Fire Chief of the Watrous Fire Department.

The truck was purchased through Rural Municipalities within the Watrous Fire Department's response zone. At a price of just over $300,000, the decked-out F-550 Cabin Chassis has a multitude of features.

There is a number of storage compartments for equipment while the truck can hold five firefighters. One of the seats on the exterior of the truck with a role cage present to prevent injury. There are also water nozzles on the front bumper to spray the perimeter of a grass fire.

"About 80 per cent of our calls are grass fires. It's going to make things way easier and safer," said  Vanthuyne.

With the rig now ready to roll out at any moment, the residents of Watrous and area are in good hands.