Fire engine test at Redtail

The Colfax number-one fire engine was used to test the grade of a new driveway which has been built to a potential home site at Redtail Ridge. Fire Chief Ralph Walter reported to the city council Oct. 3 that the engine was able to climb the approach grade which was estimated to be at 10 percent.

The owner of one of the Redtail lots located on the back corner of the addition has constructed the driveway with the aim of building a house in the future. Walter said the city became concerned because the grade of the driveway appeared to be more than six percent, the standard limit.

Walter told city council members the contractor had agreed to add more fill to the driveway to reduce the steep grade which is along just one segment of the driveway. It will serve just one residential site in the addition which is located over the S. Palouse River Road.

Walter noted the approach road to Redtail from the S. Fork River Road has a grade of approximately six percent.

To date, just one house has been constructed in the addition.