The Coombs-Hilliers and Nanoose Volunteer Fire Departments have received some new equipment to aid fire suppression.
The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) has purchased a new fire tender and command truck for the Coombs-Hilliers Volunteer Fire Department (CHVFD) and a command truck for the Nanoose Volunteer Fire Department (NVFD).
The $602,000 fire tender is a dual-axle fire truck purchased to replace the current fire tender, which is at the end of its lifecycle.
The RDN said the new fire tender allows CHVFD to maintain their Superior Tender Shuttle Accreditation, enabling efficient water delivery for fire suppression in areas without fire hydrants and providing potential insurance savings for residents.
The tender can carry 3,000 gallons of water and has a pump of 1,250 imperial gallons per minute.
It also has a pump and roll capability with a top-mounted monitor, meaning that firefighters can control the water being released through the monitor from inside the fire tender while they are moving.
“The new fire tender and command truck are welcome additions to our emergency response apparatus. They will help our volunteer firefighters to respond quickly and effectively to fires and other emergencies within our fire service area,” said Chief Ron Schildroth of the CHVFD.
This fire tender will serve the Coombs-Hilliers community and the neighbouring mutual aid communities for the next 20 to 25 years.
The two Dodge Ram 1500 command trucks will be used for duty response, incident command and support to the fire departments.
Leo Groenewegen, acting chief of NVFD, said the new command trucks are a great addition to the emergency response apparatus fleet.
“The command truck will increase our ability to respond to emergencies within our fire service area,” Groenewegen added.
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