The Kent Fire Department Regional Fire Authority (RFA) took another step to be more environmentally friendly and leave less of a carbon footprint with the lease of two electric powered cars.

The Nissan Leafs are part of the “Green on Scene” program that will evaluate how well this type of vehicle works for a public safety agency. One vehicle will go to the training division and the other will be used as a pool vehicle before being sent to the fire prevention division, according to a Kent Fire Department media release.

Battalion Chief Mark Jones, who is responsible for the vehicle maintenance programs, says going green is a continuing trend.

“Here at the vehicle maintenance shop and elsewhere in the department we will continue to look at ways to promote environmentally friendly practices,” Jones said. “The use of electric cars is one way to be Green on Scene.”

The Kent Regional Fire Authority Board approved a three-year lease of the vehicles at a cost of $19,473 per car, according to RFA documents. Nissan donated a charing station to the fire department.

Fire department staff recommended to lease the vehicles for three years to determine if an electric car program will financially benefit the RFA.

The two plug-in vehicles have distinct advantages over normal, gasoline powered vehicles:

• No gas or diesel fuel is required. While the electricity the vehicles run on is not free, it is far cheaper than fossil fuels.

• No emissions. Because the cars are powered by electricity, there are no emissions such as carbon monoxide or other pollutants.

• Lower maintenance and costs. Because the cars have an electric motor and batteries rather than a complicated gas-powered engine, there are significantly less moving parts needing maintenance and replacement.

• Reduced noise pollution. With no engine, the all-electric vehicles are extremely quiet. This reduces the noise in the environment and also makes it easier for the driver to hear emergency sirens or other vehicles.

The two electric vehicles continue a trend in the fire department to be more conscious of the environment and the community it serves. Other efforts to be greener include:

• A solar panel grant for Fire Station 76 and the vehicle maintenance shop that will reduce electricity bills by half.

• Using rather than disposing of old motor oil to heat the maintenance shop during the winter.

• Replacement of cleaning agent in vehicle parts washing machine at shop that is more environmentally friendly.

• Idle reduction systems on fire apparatus that will shut off the large diesel engines when at idle for more than two minutes. The system reduces fuel consumption, noise, and wear and tear.

• Exhaust filtering system. All fire stations have diesel exhaust systems that capture the exhaust from the diesel engines, not allowing it to build up in the apparatus bay where firefighters and others in fire stations can breathe it in. Diesel exhaust is a known carcinogen.