City officials in the small city of Lake Alfred, Florida have approved the purchase of a Tesla Cybertruck for the local fire department. While the Cybertruck has previously joined police forces, this would be the first time the electric pickup has deployed by a fire department.
The purchase was unanimously approved during a December city commission meeting, with the Cybertruck set to serve multiple operational roles once it is fully upfitted. Most notably, it will be equipped with a 150-gallon water tank, allowing it to serve as a brush truck, where it will support firefighting efforts in brush, wildland, and rural environments where traditional fire engines can struggle to access.
City staff and fire officials emphasized that the decision was driven as much by cost savings as by capability. According to the department, a traditional gasoline-powered brush truck can cost as much as US$300,000, meaning the Cybertruck’s US$131,000 price tag (which includes upfitting by UpfitTesla), will save Lake Alfred roughly US$170,000 while still delivering a versatile platform. (via Tampa Bay 10)
Beyond brush firefighting, the vehicle will also function as a command unit for on-scene incident management, a rescue vehicle during emergency responses, and a mobile energy source capable of powering tools and equipment in the field.
Fire Chief Darius Livingston addressed the purchase directly during the meeting, highlighting both the financial and operational rationale behind the decision, with Livingston noting the warranty, the ease of maintenance, and its multiple uses. He also pointed out that Tesla was including approximately $40,000 worth of additional equipment as part of the deal, without specifying what that equipment would be.
Not everyone was immediately convinced however. Public comments raised concerns about electric vehicle (EV) reliability, referencing personal experiences with EV breakdowns. Chief Livingston responded by “noting that we went with the best company in the electric vehicle industry.”
