A Fountain Hills Fire Department engine dropped through the pavement on Sunridge Drive Tuesday evening as it was responding to a reported water line break in the area.

The pavement had been undermined by the break in the 12-inch water main under the roadway and gave way with the weight of the fire engine.

A heavy wrecker was called to remove the engine from the hole, which took about two hours. The engine apparently did not sustain any damage, although Rural/Metro mechanics were evaluating the equipment more thoroughly.

The water break occurred about half way between Palisades Boulevard and Rhoads Court. There is extensive damage to the pavement in the northbound lanes.

Town Development Services Director Paul Mood and EPCOR Water spokeswoman Chelsea Maynard both said northbound lanes of Sunridge Drive will remain closed for a week to 10 days while repairs are made.

Maynard said EPCOR Water will use the opportunity to replace about 600 feet of two 12-inch water mains under the roadway.

“The break was caused by native boulders that breeched the line,” Maynard said. “We want to be sure the line is installed correctly to prevent this in the future.”

At the same time EPCOR is working to repair a second water main break on Fountain Hills Boulevard. That occurred in the northbound lanes between Segundo Drive and Crystal Ridge Drive. That break was reported earlier Tuesday afternoon. It is in approximately the same location as a break that occurred about two weeks ago.

Maynard said the Fountain Hills Boulevard break should be repaired and the street reopened by the end of the day on Thursday.

Maynard said that water main breaks like this almost always generate a reactive response from the company. She said it is difficult to anticipate where such a break might occur to do proactive repairs. However, she noted the decision to replace the extended section of water main under Sunridge is based on soil conditions and the history in the area.

“We want to make the repairs correctly and safely,” she said.

In spite of both water main breaks occurring, there were no service interruptions for any customers in Fountain Hills, according to Maynard.