This trailer was purchased using community donations and will be used to house sprinkler and forestry equipment.
Image Credit: Contributed/North Westside Fire Services
November 03, 2016 - 1:00 PM
VERNON - With the purchase of a needed piece of equipment, the North Westside Fire Rescue department is now even more prepared to protect homes from wildfires.
The fire department just purchased a 14-foot utility trailer for approximately $7,400, according to a release from the Regional District Central Okanagan.
The trailer will house the fire department's sprinkler and other wildfire firefighting equipment.
The president of the non-profit society that raised the money to buy the equipment, Shawn Barnes, says support from North Westside communities, residents and their generous donations have been put to good use in the purchase of this trailer.
“The sprinkler and forestry equipment is designed to protect 15 homes from a threatening wildfire," North Westside Fire Rescue Chief Jason Satterthwaite says in the release. "The department has been training for several years now in sprinkler deployment. Having this equipment stored in a properly set up trailer will be a big help in training our members to a higher level as well as providing a speedy response and defence in the event of a large wildland urban interface fire that threatens the community.”
The release states specialized pieces of equipment like this trailer are often purchased outside the regular fire department budget. Donations collected at fundraising efforts like the annual Community BBQ and the Fintry Fall fair make purchases like this possible.
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