A community in Niagara is replacing a 1972 fire truck tanker with a brand new vehicle built specifically to deal with our region's rural environment.
Officials with the Niagara-on-the-Lake Fire and Emergency Services say they are proud to reveal Tanker 2, a new fire apparatus that joined the St. Davids, Fire Station 2 fleet in July.
It replaces a 1972 Thibault tanker that was remounted on a used chassis in the mid-90s.
Volunteer firefighters provided input into the design of the new apparatus, which is specifically designed for the unique characteristics of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s landscape.
Firefighting in rural settings typically involves firefighters bringing water to a scene and as such, a tanker with increased water capacity was extremely important.
The 2019 Kenworth T-370 has a 3,000-gallon water tank, automated side dump chutes, and an onboard pump that allows it to feed another fire apparatus on a scene.
New safety features include improved emergency and scene lighting, a 360-degree camera system, high visibility chevrons and a large traffic advisor to alert motorists when operating on Highway 405 and the QEW.