Christmas may be over, but the Big White Fire Department is still celebrating.
After five long years a one-of-a-kind, 78-foot long Rosenbauer Viper Aerial ladder truck has finally arrived at the mountain.
Ladder 311 has a 500 horsepower Cummins 12-litre diesel engine that can hold 1136 litres (300 gallons) of water and 114 litres (30 gallons) of fire retardant foam.
Its hydraulic all-wheel-drive system also means first responders can get to fires and other emergencies even in deep snow at the top of a mountain in winter.
“Fire protection is essential to development at Big White. The ladder truck provides the capacity to protect the taller structures that are in place as well as future development. I’ve seen the work that’s gone into planning and execution of this purchase and adjustments to the fire hall. I am so thankful to everyone who made this happen,” said Director Vicki Gee.
The new ladder truck replaces a 25-year-old fire engine and brings the total apparatus count at Big White Fire Department to one ladder truck, one engine, one rescue truck, one bush/CAFS (Compressed Air Foam System) truck and three support vehicles.
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