Grand Forks fire dept. hosting open house to discuss new fire truck
By Contributor
The City of Grand Forks is hosting an open house at the City fire hall next week 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 Fire Chief Dale Heriot.
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, 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 apparatus and three command vehicles. The current ladder truck, and the proposed replacement, will be based at Station 4.
The open house will be held June 27, at the city fire hall (Station 4), 7214 2nd St., 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.”
— submitted by the City of Grand Forks
