HUNTINGTON BEACH

A shiny 1963 Firecoach fire engine is on its way to Guatemala, the result of a three-year charitable project by the Huntington Beach Firefighters Assn. The project, called Operation Bombero, the Spanish word for firefighter, began in 1995 when the association bought the old engine from Orange, and set out to refurbish it. From that point on, fire departments from Los Angeles and Orange counties, local businesses and even federal agencies got into the act. The truck’s diesel engine was completely rebuilt and restored and the exterior was sandblasted and repainted. Logistical planning took over a year, but the Air Force and Boeing finally agreed to fly the truck to Guatemala City aboard a C-17 transport plane, saving firefighters the task of driving it there themselves. The plane left on a multi-leg journey Tuesday and should reach its new home by the end of the week.