SASKATOON - A new beast on the block was unveiled at the Blucher Aberdeen Fire Hall on April 26, taking the upper hand in the dangers of grass fire season.
The brand-new Acres Industries wildland fire truck is now in service.
“In the spring, and when there are dry summers like we have seen, grass fires are very common and dangerous,” said Fire Chief Mike Steckhan. “This wildlands truck has off-road capabilities specifically designed to attack those fires with nozzles on the front bumper and mounted sprayers on both sides. This apparatus provides capabilities generally unavailable to urban fire departments.”
The BAVFD wildlands fire truck was built at Acres Industries south of Brandon, Man. It is custom-designed for a rural and Canadian environment with capabilities that meet the Saskatchewan climate, said the fire chief.
The RM of Aberdeen and the RM of Blucher made significant donations toward the purchase of this truck, recognizing ratepayers need to have all-capable fire service in rural areas. A $50,000 donation was also received from Nutrien along with $25,000 from KPCL Dirt Movers.
Modifications were made to the Ford 550 making it more capable, including off-road ability, along with multiple other features.
Fire Chief Steckhan also stated, “This community all understands value of this fire fighting unit. We are all volunteers. One thing that keeps our morale up, and enthused, is presentation of equipment like this, as it showcases that our community supports our efforts."
Fundraising Committee Chair Joan Steckhan also confirmed they received other business and private donations, big and small, that all contributed to making this new firefighting vehicle a reality.
Nutrien donates $50,000
Rob King, general manager of the nearby Nutrien Patience Lake Mine, told the crowd in attendance, “This is more than a piece of equipment, it is a symbol of what strong communities and industry can do, working together in mutual trust and respect and a shared commitment to safety and resilience."
King reiterated that Patience Lake has been part of this community for 65 years.
“This wildlands fire truck is a direct investment in local safety and in the people who step up when it matters most. We are proud to support the BAVFD and the critical work they do,” added King.
Nutrien’s Rob King was given the honour of the official key turning.
This volunteer firefighting team, located just east of Saskatoon are enjoying the new hall, opened in 2018, for both firefighters and first responders. Fifteen volunteer firefighters are part of this BAFVD team, which includes a pumper truck, a water tanker, a rescue unit and now the brand-new wildland fire unit. Nutrien is included on the hall’s sign as they also contributed to this building that includes four bays, four protective services mobile units as well as training space.
Neighbouring fire departments know the value
Neighbouring fire departments of Allan and Aberdeen were on hand at the unveiling as they partner in training and each department stands ready for mutual aid when called upon.
Allan’s fire chief, Martin Kary, told Â鶹´«Ã½AV, “We have already responded to two grassfires this spring. We have a 6x6 side-by-side that holds 125 gallons of water, along with other equipment, that we currently use for off-road fire fighting assistance.”
At the close of the program, BAVFD members took the truck past guests in two runs demonstrating the truck’s capabilities in fighting grassfires. Bumper sprayers and spot fire ability are just some of this truck’s many assets.
Kary also said this new wildland fire truck will be of great assistance to the area as they are all on bordering RMs.
The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency member on hand said there are currently 370 fire departments in the province.
BAVFD members, like Jayden Propp, were on had to demonstrate jaws-of-life extraction equipment to assist with motor vehicle collisions and trapped motorists. The BAFVD has recently completed the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency T-REX (Transportation Rescue Extrication) program and with funding from SGI, many rural departments have been outfitted with this equipment.
The open house and barbecue was well attended as people came to see the newest fire fighting asset, meet team members and learn what the newest fire truck is capable of.
