On Friday, April 8, Lowndes County Fire Rescue (LCFR) unveiled its new drafting pit during a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Located at LCFR headquarters, the pit was designed to direct water discharged from the fire truck back into the pit. This feature allows for long periods of pumping without wasting water or creating runoff problems, which reduces environmental impact. The pit holds approximately 40,000 gallons of water.

The new drafting pit’s primary use will be for testing fire engines during annually required intervals and following any pump repairs. It also allows fire apparatus operators to train on getting water from sources other than hydrants such as lakes, ponds, or streams. It will also support training operations on Lowndes County Fire Rescue’s training facility during live burns and training courses. In addition, the pit will serve as an additional supporting water source for firefighting activities in the areas surrounding LCFR headquarters.

According to Lowndes County Manager Paige Dukes, this addition will serve a multi-purpose role in providing needed maintenance, training, and firefighting capabilities. "Our dedicated personnel are always training to work and working to train. This new resource will enhance our fire department's efforts to provide the best services for our County’s citizens."

This project was completed as a part of SPLOST VII. For more information on Lowndes County Fire Rescue, visit,www.lowndescounty.com.