The Township of Springwater’s fire department has enhanced its emergency response capabilities with the acquisition of a new aerial platform fire truck.
The Pierce Ascendent Aerial Platform, which reaches an impressive height of 110 feet, was welcomed as a significant addition to the department’s firefighting fleet.
This acquisition, detailed in an official news release, marks a notable advancement for the community’s safety infrastructure.
Commercial Emergency Equipment, headquartered in Woodstock, Ontario, supplied the fire truck, while Pierce Manufacturing in Appleton, Wisconsin, handled its manufacture.
The new vehicle boasts an array of features designed to improve firefighting efforts, including seating for six firefighters, a 2,000 gallon per minute fire pump, a 500-gallon onboard water tank, and a 20-gallon foam tank.
The truck is also equipped with a cutting-edge 3-way aerial hands-free communication system for enhanced coordination and a remote-control master stream nozzle for effective fire management.
Its single-axle configuration offers a tighter turning radius and a shorter chassis, retaining the benefits of a larger tandem-axle truck.
Aerial platform fire trucks are essential in firefighting, particularly for reaching heights beyond two stories and allowing firefighters to deploy elevated master streams at fully-involved fires.
They also provide a secure platform for performing ventilation techniques, eliminating the need for ground ladders.
Fire Chief Jeff Kirk underscores the importance of the new vehicle: “The acquisition of our first aerial fire truck signifies our unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community.
“This state-of-the-art aerial truck will undoubtedly strengthen our firefighting capabilities, reinforcing our ability to respond to a wide range of emergency situations effectively.”
The new aerial platform was included in the 10-year Capital Plan and was funded entirely through Development Charges.
Springwater firefighters have completed training on the new apparatus, and the truck will be officially in service starting Tuesday, October 31, 2023.
The arrival of Springwater Fire & Emergency Services’ new aerial fire truck is a significant development for local emergency response.
The truck’s advanced technology and capability to manoeuvre in tight spaces make it an invaluable asset.
Moreover, the truck’s acquisition thanks to Development Charges, is a testament to the department’s forward-thinking approach to resource management.
The improved firefighting and rescue operations will bolster community confidence in their safety services.
