The Quesnel Volunteer Fire Department has a sharp new red and black rescue truck.
The new emergency response truck has been operating since late August after arriving from Intercontinental Truck Body in Vancouver.
Fire chief Ron Richert said the multi-purpose truck contains critical equipment for auto extrication, high-angle confined space and incidents involving hazardous materials.
It replaces a 1992 rescue truck and has already been put to use, including several rescues and a structure fire that destroyed a mobile home earlier this month at 654 North Fraser Drive.
“It’s going to be well used in our department for sure,” Richert said. “It’s more versatile than the other rescues we’ve had.”
The red and black colours are also new for the Quesnel Volunteer Fire Department, which provides better visibility in conditions and hours of the day with little light.
The rescue truck had a price tag of around $250,000.
With Fire Prevention Week beginning on Sunday, Oct. 9, Richert reminds the public to stay away from emergency zones and that driving over fire hoses is an illegal offence that can result in fines under B.C.’s motor vehicle act.
Smoke and flames from the blaze on North Fraser Drive and a septic truck that caught fire in downtown Quesnel on Aug. 30 attracted many onlookers.
”We’re asking the public when we have an emergency situation to please stay away from the area,” Richert said. “It’s challenging enough to deal with an incident without having to deal with the people, the onlookers and those that are gathering in that area.”
Read More: PHOTOS: Fire destroys mobile home in Quesnel
Read More: PHOTOS: Firefighters extinguish vehicle fire in downtown Quesnel
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