National

Vancouver unveils Canada's first electric fire truck in its pledge to cut emissions

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 04 Dec, 2023 03:48 PM

Vancouver’s fire department is showing off what the city says is Canada’s first electric fire engine.

The Austrian-built pumper truck is part of the city’s commitment to reduce fleet emissions by moving to electric vehicles when they need to be replaced.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim says the fire engine represents an important milestone and the city is proud to be the first in Canada to lead the way with its firefighting fleet.

Fire Chief Karen Fry says the truck is highly sophisticated and will enhance crews' capability to protect people and property, while improving the health and safety of firefighters.

Designed for firefighter safety. Look for it responding to calls in Strathcona and around the city. Will be in operation tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/2ui5wnBK6j
— Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (@VanFireRescue) December 4, 2023

It’s painted in the same red and white as other city fire trucks, but it’s narrower and shorter than similar vehicles, giving it better maneuverability.

The city says the truck's operational noise is also much lower, and the electric engine significantly reduces firefighters’ exposure to pollutants from diesel exhaust.

The city has committed to chopping emission from its fleet by 60 per cent below 2007 levels by 2030, and about 10 per cent of its vehicles are now electric.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Think you could pass the citizenship test? Poll shows most Canadians would flunk

In a survey of 1,512 Canadian adults, Leger found that only 23 per cent would pass the citizenship test, based on their answers to 10 randomly selected questions. People who wish to become Canadian need to answer 20 questions about citizens' rights and responsibilities, as well as Canada's history, geography, economy, government, laws and symbols.

Think you could pass the citizenship test? Poll shows most Canadians would flunk

Canadian wildfires send smoke south, triggering air quality warnings

Canadian wildfires are continuing to send heavy clouds of smoke south, from Northern Ontario and Quebec, through both provinces and into the United States. Environment Canada has issued special air quality statements for large areas of Ontario and Quebec warning of high levels of air pollution due to the smoke.

Canadian wildfires send smoke south, triggering air quality warnings

Canada welcomes largest number of immigrants in first quarter since at least 1972

Statistics Canada says the country welcomed more than 145,000 immigrants during the first three months of the year. That's the highest number for a single quarter on record, since comparable data became available in 1972.

Canada welcomes largest number of immigrants in first quarter since at least 1972

B.C. port union issues 72-hour strike notice affecting 7,400 workers

The union representing port workers in British Columbia says it has issued 72-hour strike notice and its members are ready to walk off the job on Saturday. The strike notice affects about 7,400 terminal cargo loaders and 49 of the province's waterfront employers in more than 30 B.C. ports.

B.C. port union issues 72-hour strike notice affecting 7,400 workers

Surrey RCMP need the public's help in locating missing female Navjot Baring

UPDATE: The Surrey RCMP is pleased to confirm that the 22-year-old female who was reported missing on June 27, 2023 has been located.

Surrey RCMP need the public's help in locating missing female Navjot Baring

B.C. agrees to delay ending immigration detention in correctional centres

Farnworth has now approved a "one-time" three-month extension of the deal until the end of October at the request of federal Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino, on the condition that no new detainees will be accepted after July 31.