The North Cowichan Fire Department has taken delivery of a new $1.45 million aerial fire truck.
The vehicle, whose ladder can reach more than 32 metres (107 feet) — the tallest in the Cowichan Valley — will be stationed at the South End fire hall but serve the entire North Cowichan area, as well as neighbouring First Nations communities, through mutual aid agreements with adjacent municipalities.
“This is an exciting day for our fire department,” said Mayor Al Siebring.
“This ladder truck will no doubt be a tremendous asset, not just for our fire department and our communities, but also for the dedicated paid on-call members.”
The Pierce Enforcer ladder truck can pump 7,570 litres (2,000 gallons) per minute and carries a 1,900 litre (500 gallon) water tank plus a 110 litre (30 gallon) auto injection foam system.
At just under 12 metres (39 feet) in length, the truck is agile and can manoeuvre through tight city streets.
Set-up takes less than one minute, making this a quick and effective rescue and fire extinguishing vehicle.
The Fire Underwriters insurance requires North Cowichan have two aerial firefighting vehicles in order to service the 187 buildings that are over three storeys in height, with fire flows over 7,570 litres per minute.
The older ladder truck previously stationed at the South End fire hall is now stationed in Chemainus.
The North Cowichan Fire Department serves the municipality, as well as Quw’utsun, Halalt, Penelakut, Stz’uminus, and Lyackson First Nations from four fire halls: Chemainus, Maple Bay, South End, and Crofton.
It is B.C.’s largest paid on-call fire department, with 104 members.