A Montgomery County fire engine that was damaged after becoming stranded in flash floodwaters in Silver Spring during Saturday’s thunderstorms is the second new county fire vehicle to be taken out of commission after an incident this year, according to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) officials.
MCFRS Assistant Chief Dan Ogren told Bethesda Today on Wednesday the new engine had only been in service for a few months before responding to a call for a vehicle trapped in floodwaters on East West Highway at Sundale Drive.
While Fire Chief Corey Smedley told NBC News4 earlier this week the engine was likely ruined by driving into the floodwaters, Ogren said that as of Wednesday the department did not know whether the engine could be repaired or if a new engine will need to be purchased. New engines can cost from $500,000 to $750,000, according to Ogren…