The newest addition to the Bath Township Fire Department's family is a bright red water tanker built by companies in South Dakota and Michigan.

The way the township is mapped out, not every area has a fire hydrant, so a water tanker is necessary in several areas, said fire Chief Walter Hower. This truck carries 2,000 gallons of water and will last the township 20 years. The truck is also equipped with a water pump.

The fire department will also use this truck to support neighboring departments as a way to get large volumes of water to a fire.

Township trustees OK'd the purchase last February. The truck cost $351,636. Former Fire Chief Jim Paulett said the money used included $220,000 raised by the Bath Fire Department Inc., at its annual Horse Show.