TERRACE, BC - A unique new fire apparatus will officially be transferred to the District of New Hazelton later this month as part of Regional District’s commitment to collaborative fire protection and response with its partners.
Though smaller, this fire response vehicle (Water Tender) has been outfitted with extensive capabilities and will primarily serve the South Hazelton and Rural Hazelton communities. It replaces an aging fire response vehicle due to be retired. It can also stand-in for the larger main unit in New Hazelton when that vehicle is out for servicing, or act as second, equally capable unit on more complex responses.
“This announcement is great news for the residents of South Hazelton and rural Hazelton communities. The Regional District is always pleased when we see the results of collaborative agreements. With the capabilities it has, this new Fire Truck is no exception and its exciting”, said Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine’s Board Chair, Phil Germuth.
Thornhill Volunteer Fire Department Chief Rick Boehm has been working on behalf of the Regional District with District of New Hazelton Fire Chief Cliff Coukell to bring the response vehicle acquisition to completion. “This is exceptional”, he said. “In collaborating and planning this vehicle, we’ve made accommodations in capacity for a growing community.”
The Regional District will ceremoniously pass the keys for the new apparatus to New Hazelton at their regular Board on August 23, 2019. This will give the Board opportunity to see the vehicle before it is formally placed into service, based in New Hazelton, before the end of August.