The Oyster River Volunteer Fire Rescue Association (ORVFRA) has acquired a new rescue engine.
The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) and the ORVFRA have been working together to establish a program where fire rescue equipment is brought into service in a cost-effective manner and meets apparatus standards to enhance safety of crew members and the public.
A key factor in attaining or maintaining an acceptable rating from public fire protection standards is the requirement to operate only equipment that is within specified age parameters. This engine replaces a 1993 Volvo engine and a 2003 Ford F350 rescue truck.
“The members of Oyster River fire rescue and the manager of fire services for the CVRD all contributed to the design of this new apparatus, including the layout of the cabinets and the placement of equipment, said Edwin Grieve, CVRD director for Puntledge-Black Creek (Area ‘C’).
Features of the new fire engine include four-wheel drive capabilities, a full complement of firefighting equipment appropriate for the area, multiple ladders, a full range of medical first responder and rescue equipment, as well as vehicle extrication equipment.
"This new truck will boost the Oyster River fire department’s ability to save lives and property. The truck holds numerous life-saving pieces of equipment, with up-to-the minute technology,” said Brenda Leigh, chair of the Black Creek-Oyster Bay services committee and Strathcona Regional District (SRD) director for Oyster Bay-Buttle Lake (Electoral Area ‘D’).
“Following several weeks of familiarization with the truck, driving experience and hands-on pump operation, the new unit went into service at the end of March and has already been the lead engine on numerous emergency responses,” added Oyster River Fire Chief Niels Holbek.
The Comox Valley Regional District is a federation of three electoral areas and three municipalities providing sustainable services for residents and visitors to the area. The members of the regional district work collaboratively on services for the benefit of the diverse urban and rural areas of the Comox Valley.