Woodlake, Calif. (April 24, 2026) — Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield), joined by Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón, local leaders, and firefighters on Friday celebrated the arrival of a new Type 3 fire engine for the Woodlake Fire District, marking a significant investment in public safety for the Central Valley.

The new engine was made possible through $333,333 secured by Senator Hurtado in the 2022 state budget, along with an additional $200,000 in matching funds from federal partners at the United States Department of Agriculture. The presence of Senate leadership underscores the importance of continued investment in critical infrastructure for rural communities across California.

“We are investing in the systems that make freedom real—because a community that does not feel safe is a community that is not truly free,” said Senator Hurtado.

The push-in ceremony highlighted the critical role local fire agencies play in protecting rural communities, where aging infrastructure and limited resources have long strained emergency response capabilities. The addition of a Type 3 fire engine will enhance the district’s ability to respond to wildland fires and other emergencies across Woodlake and surrounding areas.

Local officials and fire district leadership also emphasized the importance of sustained investment in frontline services and credited the collaboration between state and federal partners for making the project possible.

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