This weekend will be a busy one for members of the North Westside Fire Department.
Firefighters will spend time Saturday and Sunday training on the department’s two new engine trucks.
“The new engines will fit in well with the department’s existing apparatus and will serve the first responder and fire protection needs of the community for the next 20 years,” sad Wayne Carson, fire chief.
The trucks, valued at more than $300,000 each, were purchased through the Regional District of Central Okanagan after a contract was issued to Winnipeg-based Fort Garry Fire Trucks.
“One truck will be located at the main hall off Udell Road while the other will be housed at the Short’s Creek hall,” said Dan Wildeman, RDCO fire services manager.
“The new engines will help the fire district maintain its fire underwriters dwelling protection standard benefitting homeowners.”
Some of the new features offered on the engines include a front bumper mounted monitor that allows water to be directed while the vehicle is moving and an automatic built-in foam tank that allows fire suppressing foam to be applied with water.
“There’s also a one inch fast attack hose mounted on the truck for a quick response to small fires,” said Carson.
The trucks are equipped with four-wheel drive and instant chains providing optimum traction in various road conditions and come with a 1,050 gallon per minute pump.
The two engines were acquired without the need for financing as property owners within the North Westside fire protection district approved a referendum in 2005 for a parcel tax of $50 a year over five years, in order to build reserve funds for purchasing fire equipment.
