SOAP LAKE - The Soap Lake Fire Department volunteers were able to stop a brush fire two weeks ago, but just barely. The 240-gallon tank was nearly empty on the department's only brush truck, but help is coming with two more trucks.

Interim Fire Chief Debbie Bowen said about 10 gallons were left in the tank after the small brush fire on July 3.

The City Council approved the purchase of a 500-gallon brush truck from the Coulee City Fire Department at its last meeting, costing the city $3,500.

Former fire department volunteers were working to raise money for a new tank to install on a truck borrowed from the state Department of Natural Resources that would have cost more than $6,000.

City councilmembers and Mayor Raymond Gravelle had been criticized by former volunteers for lacking support for the department but the council unanimously approved the purchase of the truck after a presentation from Bowen.

The purchase still need to be approved by City Finance Director Karen Dillon to ensure available funds.

"We've been placing Band-aids and chewing gum on our equipment for a long time now," she said. "We're trying to create a solution for that."

Bowen said she was certain the department could fight any grass fire in the area with the addition of the Coulee City truck.

Adding to the good news, the city also received a 1,500-gallon tanker truck, donated to the fire department from the Grant County Fairgrounds. Bowen said the truck needs minimal repairs and volunteers have been working to prepare the vehicle for service.

"It would be perfect for refilling the Coulee City truck and the truck we have now," Bowen said.