Victoria Fire Department adds new electric vehicles called FireBolts to fleet

Victoria Fire Department adds new electric vehicles called FireBolts to fleet
Victoria Fire Department
All five EV FireBolts lined up at the Victoria Fire Department Headquarters on Yates Street

The Victoria Fire Department has added a series of new electric vehicles to its fleet, being referred to as FireBolts.

A series of five 2020 Chevrolet Bolt LT electric vehicles (EVs) have been acquired and will be replacing three, small gas-powered pick-up trucks and two mid-size SUVs previously used by the Fire Prevention Divison.

Along with the acquisition of the five FireBolts, the Victoria Fire Department will also have two Level 2 chargers installed at the headquarters on Yates Street.

The FireBolts will be used by the Fire Prevention Division in order to travel to various locations throughout the city to conduct fire safety inspections and deliver community safety education sessions.

“Victoria is transitioning our City fleet to electric and these new additions to the Fire Department are another great step in this work,” said Mayor Lisa Helps. “Greater Victoria has the highest percentage of EV sales in Canada and the City is excited to lead by example by transitioning our own fleet.”

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The fire department notes that the vehicles have a range of approximately 400 kilometres per battery charge, so they won’t be at risk of running out of range while performing their duties.

“It is encouraging to witness the transition of the Fire Department fleet to electric technologies, implementing climate-friendly alternatives where we are able to,” said Fire Chief Paul Bruce. “Our Mechanical Division has been investigating these developing technologies and recommending their use as we progress towards decreasing our carbon footprint.”

The procurement of new fleet vehicles is managed by the City’s Engineering and Public Works Department which is also in the process of developing the City’s Green Fleet Plan in 2021.

With the addition of the FireBolts, the City now has 16 EVs and five e-bikes as part of its fleet.

Lieutenant Chris Kelly charges up a FireBolt at one of two of the newly-installed Level 2 EV chargers.

Graham CoxGraham Cox

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