The City of Grand Forks is hosting an open house at the city fire hall today (June 27) to discuss the proposed purchase of a new ladder truck.
“The current aerial truck is 20 years old and doesn’t meet the Fire Underwriters Survey of Canada insurance criteria anymore. We’re looking at a new platform ladder truck as a replacement and this will meet Grand Forks’ requirements for the next 20 years,” explains Dale Heriot, fire chief for Grand Forks Fire Rescue.
The new ladder truck can provide enough reach to access high balconies while the truck remains a safe distance from a fire. A platform is also a safer working area for firefighters. As well, higher elevated water streams provide increased access to fires.
Grand Forks has more tall structures since the current ladder truck was purchased in 1993, including industrial plants, multi-story apartment buildings and large recreation and institutional buildings. Heriot says the safety of the community is the key factor in the proposed purchase.
Grand Forks Fire Rescue operates out of five fire halls with 14 pieces of apparatuses and three command vehicles. The current ladder truck, and the proposed replacement, will be based at the city fire hall (Station 4) on Second Street in Grand Forks.
Again, the open house will be held today at Station 4 (7214 Second Street) from 2 to 5 p.m. Refreshments and snacks will be served. Grand Forks residents can learn more about the proposed truck, why it is needed, costs and next steps.
“We encourage everyone to join us on June 27. It will be an opportunity for residents to give us valuable feedback that will be used to guide city council’s decision,” Heriot went on to say.
– Contributed by the City of Grand Forks