Wasaga Beach Fire Department Receives New Aerial Truck

“This vehicle replaces a 25-year-old aerial truck at the end of its lifespan and ensures we have the proper resources when providing fire protection for our residents and businesses,” fire chief and director of emergency management Mike McWilliam said.

Mayor Nina Bifolchi said the $1.4-million truck represents an important investment in equipment for the department.

“Having a well-equipped fire department that can protect our community is a priority for council,” Bifolchi said. “We are pleased to welcome this new truck into the department’s fleet.”

A Pierce Manufacturing truck, made at the company’s Appleton, Wisconsin facility, the vehicle is a demo model the department learned about last year.

“Because it is a demo, and because council allowed us to sole-source the purchase, we have saved approximately $300,000 and almost a two-year build time,” the chief said.

The truck should have a quarter-century operation period, McWilliam said.

Aerial trucks serve an important function, he noted.

“Obviously, you need them to fight fires in higher buildings, which are anticipated in the next few years, but aerials are also used to reach out over large diameter buildings, such as the big box-type stores we have,” McWilliam said. “They allow us to apply a large volume of water down onto a fire. And they also give us that bird’s eye view providing a better view of what is going on with a large structure fire.”

The new aerial has a reach of 110 feet, compared to the 65 feet on the older aerial truck going out of service. The new aerial also has a platform at the end of it, something the older truck does not.

“That platform is a great feature for us,” the fire chief said. “We can place up to three people on the platform, which is helpful if we have to rescue someone from upper levels of a building. A control panel in the platform basket allows firefighters to control the water stream from an elevated position, making water application more accurate. Working from a platform, versus a ladder, greatly increases safety for the firefighters”.

Fire Department staff have spent the last few days learning about the new truck and training will continue in the days and weeks ahead.