How do you convert a regular F350 truck in to a fully-functional fire truck?
“With a lot of planning and a lot of different skills,” explained Telkwa’s new fire chief Travis Wall.
In March, a group of five volunteers banded together to start a committee, driven by a volunteer with a background in mechanics. The old truck was in need of mechanical repairs, and due for a replacement. A front-line vehicle, that services all types of fires and is equipped for medical response, has a life expectancy of 20 years.
The volunteers decided to embark on the project themselves. Wall explained that the volunteer-aspect of the station makes a project like this possible, as ”you get people of all different skills and mindsets to join.”
Travis transferred from Mackenzie in October, and is committed to providing a positive working environment for his volunteers. He has 25 years of experience under his belt, mostly servicing northern B.C.
“We’ve got a pretty dedicated 25 members here, they’re all volunteers, and always working to make things better for response and service.”
The new front-line truck is “bigger” and “better” than it was before, said Wall.
The white F350 was purchased from Full Force in Prince George in April, with a deck already attached. The crew attached “pieces from the old apparatus, plus modified new” pieces to the F350.
The committee was driven by a volunteer with mechanical experience. New modifications included enhanced electrical work, as well as aluminum cabinets.
Volunteers said it was a busy few months as the new truck was built alongside regularly scheduled training programs, but were ultimately happy with the work they accomplished, which Travis says creates a “bond”
“You do get quite a bit of camaraderie, brotherhood, sisterhood out of it,” explained Wall. “We’re always on the lookout for new volunteers.”
The Telkwa Fire Department responds to calls within the Village of Telkwa, and provides mutual aid for Smithers and Houston.
In addition to house fires and highway accidents, Telkwa Fire handles “wildland interface fires, grass fires, bush fires.”
The truck will be fully deployable by next year’s wildfire season, which typically starts in May.
Wall explained that educational outreach is also part of Telkwa Fire’s duties.
“We do have a Fire Smart where they can come do assessments,” explained Wall. “[Either] around the home or on the property for wildland Fire Smart, we can set up a property report card of how well their property is prior to an incident.”
The station is also expecting a second front-line fire truck to arrive by the end of this year.