From RDN Media Release
APRIL 23 – The Extension Fire Department and the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) are pleased to announce the arrival of a new fire truck for the Extension Volunteer Fire Department in Electoral Area C. The $735,000 truck is an innovative Rear Mount Pumper that is specially designed to meet the challenges of rural firefighting. The truck provides the firefighters with an adaptable apparatus that will enable them to better respond to a wide variety of emergency and non-emergency incidents in the community.
“The RDN recognizes the importance of modern equipment for effective incident response and are committed to community safety initiatives throughout our region, including fire services,” said Tyler Brown, RDN Chair. “This new, custom-built truck will further enhance the excellent services Extension Volunteer Fire Department members deliver to area residents.”
With input from the RDN and fire service representatives, Fort Garry Fire Trucks in Winnipeg, MB designed and built the Rear Mount Pumper with a number of unique specifications. The rear-mount pump allows for setup on narrow roads and requires only one lane while pumping, allowing other vehicles to pass the scene when necessary. For areas that are not serviced by hydrants, the rear-mount configuration allows the porta-tank to be placed behind the truck, reducing the length of suction hose and improving access to alternate water supplies. A Class A foam system helps prolong the on-board water supply and reduces the use of water where property damage is of concern.
“We are fortunate to be celebrating the arrival of this new fire truck and I congratulate Extension Volunteer Fire Department on this important addition to their firefighting resources,” said Maureen Young, Electoral Area C Director. “Thank you to all involved in the design, building and delivery of this fire truck. It has been a long, two-year process but it has been well worth the wait!”
The truck replaces a 1994 Freightliner Engine which had met its 25 year lifecycle as a Duty Engine. The new acquisition was made possible through the partnership between the RDN, the Extension Volunteer Fire Department and the Extension Volunteer Fire Department Society.
“I would like to thank Extension Volunteer Fire Department members, the Extension Volunteer Fire Department Society Board of Directors, and the RDN, as well as Fort Garry Fire Trucks for their professionalism throughout the design and build process,” said Kevin Young, Fire Chief, Extension Volunteer Fire Department. “The new Rear Mount Pumper offers significant advantages in terms of maneuverability, safety, and increased compartment space. It will be a firefighting asset in our community for years to come.”
The fire truck took 18 months to build and was driven from Winnipeg to Nanaimo from April 12 to 16. Additional features of the custom-built truck include custom cab and chassis for firefighter safety and tight turning radius, an additional 1,000 imperial gallon capacity for non-hydrant areas, swift water rescue equipment storage, plumbed in water monitor for high volume, longer distance water applications, and large storage capacity to accommodate existing fire department equipment.
“I have been involved in this fire department since we built the hall back in the 1980’s. Our first piece of equipment was an old, used Pumper from Revelstoke, B.C.,” said Garry Britt, Acting Chair, Extension Volunteer Fire Department Society. “Our volunteers work hard for this community and they deserve the best equipment available. The new pumper truck is very exciting for both the Fire Department and the people of Extension. Thank you to the RDN and to the volunteer firefighters for their dedication to the residents they serve.”
