EAST SPENCER — The East Spencer Fire Department is down to one working firetruck.

Fire Chief Josh Smith told the town board during its Monday meeting that the reserve engine, a 1993 KME, is the only one that’s operable.

Smith, along with a group of firefighters including the one who maintains the fleet, are planning an overnight trip later in the week to Alabama to visit Brindlee Mountain Fire Apparatus to look at options for newer trucks. The department has one engine and two sport utility vehicles that are usable.

A 2001 HME isn’t working and neither is a 1977 LaFrance, which was used as a back-up and for display at local events.

The firefighters will look at the possibility of three new trucks to replace the entire fleet, but the town board wants Smith to look into other options as well.

“I’m now doing research to see what options we have,” Smith said.

Alderman John Noble questioned whether the department could operate with only one truck. Smith said the department is supposed to have two. Smith said he has reached out to neighboring departments, including Salisbury, to provide assistance while East Spencer resolves the truck shortage.

Smith estimates that the department spent $68,000 last year on repairs. If one truck is repaired now, he estimates the cost at $12,000, which would not include work needed on the undercarriage.

Interim Town Administrator F.E. Isenhour said he’s asked for specific numbers on how much repairs would cost and what it would cost to make purchases. According to Isenhour, the cost to make repairs to the pumper could be $15,000 to $20,000.

The pumper was bought second-hand from a place in Rhode Island. The truck had substantial frame problems because it was being used in an area that has a lot of snow. It may not be worth repairing with significant salt damage, Isenhour said.

Mayor Barbara Mallett asked Smith to bring all the figures and maintenance records to the board’s next work session. Smith said he’d have the numbers ready.

In June, the Fire Department responded to nine fire calls, nine medical calls and seven calls for service. Through July 27, it responded to 11 fire calls, nine medical calls and six service calls. In June, the Salisbury Fire Department provided automatic aid five times and eight times in July.

Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253.