Extension Volunteer Fire Dept. crews are now using a custom-built fire trick which arrived from Winnipeg, MB on Saturday April 17. (Regional District of Nanaimo)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Big upgrade

New custom-built fire truck arrives for Extension Volunteer Fire Department

Apr 23, 2021 | 4:12 PM

NANAIMO — A rural volunteer fire department south of Nanaimo has a vastly improved primary firefighting asset.

The Regional District of Nanaimo announced the Extension Volunteer Fire Dept. (EVFD) recently received a new custom-built fire engine valued at $735,000, replacing an aging truck built in the mid 90s.

EVFD chief Kevin Young said the innovative rear mount pumper truck is a great fit for rural, narrow roads where space is a premium.

“It has a rear mount pump, which offers significant advantages in terms of maneuverability, safety and increased compartment space,” Young told NanaimoNewsNOW.

He said their new fire truck has foam capability, while its 1,000 gallon capacity tank offers significantly more water to extinguish fires in areas without hydrants.

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“It has a remote control monitor as well for firefighting, it would be a definite asset in a wildfire setting,” Young said, stating the truck can old six firefighters.

Other features include a custom cab and chassis for firefighter safety and tight turns and storage for swift water rescue equipment and existing fire department gear.

Young said the new truck arrived Saturday, April 17 and their members received training before using it for the first time during a medical aid call on Tuesday.

The truck was designed and built by a fire truck manufacturer in Winnipeg, MB.

“This is going to be an asset for our community for many years to come,” Young said, who was able to offer insight during a pre-build meeting in Manitoba early last year.

EVFD currently has 30 members on its roster serving roughly 1,000 people in the Extension, Nanaimo River and South Forks areas, Young said.

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