Boise Fire and Rescue has already pulled two people out of the swollen and fast running Boise River this spring — with hot weather and the official floating season right around the corner, they're likely to be much more busy soon. But they have a new tool to help them get to emergencies faster: e-motorcycles.
One of the difficulties of rescuing people on the Boise River is just finding them. Often, it's a 911 call from someone who has no idea where they are on the river, so finding the spot and getting there fast is critical — and motorcycles make it easy.
"They are part of the BFD response unit out here," said Paul Roberts, division chief of special operations for Boise Fire. "If you see a motorcycle running up and down, it's probably us and we're doing recon or we're maybe working with a boat on river to affect a rescue."
Related: Boise Fire and Rescue practice on Boise River to prepare for floating season
Motorcycles on the Greenbelt might seem like an invitation to outrage in Boise, but these are no hogs.
"Those are electric so they're pretty quiet and pretty un-intrusive to the public," said Roberts.
Related: Boise River flows to decrease in the city next week
Electric doesn't mean slow. These bikes, which have been used for years in the foothills, can really move.
"They carry a compliment of rope rescue and water rescue equipment to effect anything else they come on," said Roberts.
If you see a quiet motorcycle on the greenbelt, know it's either a recon trip or Boise Fire is on its way to save a life.
