Tahoe Douglas Fire boat named one of '10 Significant Boats of 2018'

The boat Lisa "Angel of Tahoe" Maloff and Bob and Nackey Scagliotti helped bring to the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD) in 2017 was named one of WorkBoat magazine’s “10 Significant Boats of 2018” an international in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The Lake Assault Boats fire and rescue craft on duty with TDFPD, named Marine 24, was christened in 2017. At a cost of $500,000 it is designed to respond to a wide range of emergencies, including structural and wildland fires, and on-the-water rescue operations.

Besides Maloff and the Scagliottis, funding is provided by fees for service from the Fire Flow Initiative (FFI) program members. They pay $75,000 to get a pipe installed when their lakefront home is being built, or paid $200 per square foot of their major remodel.

"The homes today surrounding Lake Tahoe are being built larger, closer together, and set back further from the lake, and emergency access for responding fire trucks is hampered by narrow roads and limited turnarounds,” explained Eric Guevin, Fire Marshal for TDFPD. “That makes this Lake Assault fireboat an important new tool in our firefighting arsenal.”

Guevin called it a "floating fire hydrant" at the boat's christening.

“We are thrilled to have Marine 24 recognized by the industry’s leading publication as one of its 10 significant craft of 2018 – it’s quite an honor,” said Chad DuMars, Lake Assault Boats Vice President of Operations. “But it’s even more gratifying to know that a Lake Assault fireboat is serving with the TDFPD to protect lives, property, and the pristine natural resources that surround Lake Tahoe.”

The landing craft-style fireboat is outfitted with twin 350 hp outboard engines and a digital anchor and joystick piloting system that significantly improves the craft’s on-the-water performance. Its own firefighting capabilities include a 1500 gallons-per-minute water pump (powered by a dedicated V-8 engine), a rooftop remote-controlled water monitor, and two deck monitors. In addition, a large hose discharge is able to supply land-based firefighting trucks. The boat also sports a 74-inch hydraulically operated bow door.

The pilothouse features 80 inches of headroom, and an integrated helm station. Its onboard electronics include dual 12-inch touchscreens mounted on the dash, Garmin radar and sonar with GPS, chartplotting, structure / side scan, and a forward looking infrared (FLIR) system.

WorkBoat magazine is North America’s leading publication serving the inland and coastal waterways commercial maritime market.