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

Homes under construction in Burnaby, Coquitlam, and West Vancouver targeted by theft home finishings and fixtures stolen.

The stolen property included everything from stoves, fridges, toilets and plumbing fixtures, to flooring and lighting, with many items still in their original packaging. The value of seized goods is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Some individual items are estimated to be worth as much as $25,000.

Homes under construction in Burnaby, Coquitlam, and West Vancouver targeted by theft home finishings and fixtures stolen.

Discrimination found at human rights body: union

It said the Treasury Board Secretariat found the commission breached the "no discrimination" clause in its collective agreement, and has invited parties to engage in a mediation process to seek a meaningful resolution. The union is calling the March 6 decision an important win, and one that will have consequences across the federal public service.

Discrimination found at human rights body: union

Councillor '100%' in support of interference probe

The report says consulate officials worked to oust then-mayor Kennedy Stewart and elect a new mayor and a certain city councillor. Ongoing concerns about possible foreign interference in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections spurred Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to name former governor general David Johnston to investigate.

Councillor '100%' in support of interference probe

Killer says Amanda Zhao may be alive, enraging mom

The 21-year-old English student’s remains had been found stuffed in a suitcase in Mission, B.C., and Yang’s identification of her daughter was also confirmed by a police DNA test. More than 20 years later, any sense of closure thatact offered has been torn apart by the claims of Zhao's convicted killer, Ang Li, that he was framed by China's government and Zhao might not be dead at all.

Killer says Amanda Zhao may be alive, enraging mom

Canada to hold special ceremony for coronation

The ceremony in Ottawa will be one of several events held over two days as Canada marks the investiture of its new monarch. Trudeau says the Canadian ceremony will acknowledge the special relationship that King Charles has had with Canada over the past 50 years as the Prince of Wales.

Canada to hold special ceremony for coronation

NDP calls for caregiver credit to be refundable

NDP MP Bonita Zarrillo, who is the party's critic for disability inclusion, sent a letter to Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland on Wednesday calling for the change in the upcoming federal budget. Individuals who are supporting a spouse, common-law partner or dependant with a physical or mental impairment can currently claim the credit against the federal taxes they owe.