The Wayzata Fire Department recently took ownership of a new vehicle, a 2026 Pierce Ascendant 110-foot ladder truck, to update the department’s 30-year-old ladder truck. With a longer ladder and overall shorter vehicle length, the Pierce is easier to deliver and use at more locations within the city. The single rear axle makes it more maneuverable, ideal for navigating Wayzata’s hills and narrow streets. The new truck is easier and quicker to set up for use at a fire. It carries more water, 500 gallons compared with 200 gallons in the previous truck. It also pumps more gallons per minute (GPM) at up to 1,500 to 1,250 GPM quantities. Residents will be able to see and learn more about the new ladder truck in person at the annual Fire Department Pancake Breakfast planned 8 a.m. to noon Sept. 15, and the annual City Showcase planned 4-6 p.m., Oct. 5. The fire department celebrated the truck’s start of service with a traditional push-in ceremony held the evening of Sept. 1. Members of the Fire Department and City Council pushed the new ladder truck into the garage as part of the ceremony.