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

Abbotsford Police car targeted and shot at with a pellet gun

As officers approached the group in their unmarked police vehicle, a female emerged from the group and pointed a firearm toward the officer's vehicle and fired, striking the police vehicle's windshield, and causing minor damage.

Abbotsford Police car targeted and shot at with a pellet gun

Collision in New Westminster leaves one dead

The collision has caused a local power outage and city crews have been on scene. If motorists encounter an intersection with no power, they are asked to treat the intersection as a four way stop.

Collision in New Westminster leaves one dead

Vancouver Folk Festival will return for 2023

A statement on the festival's website says it will be held July 14 to 16 at its usual location in Vancouver's Jericho Beach Park. Last year's scaled back festival will be used as a template to plan this year's program, with fewer stages and amenities than were offered before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vancouver Folk Festival will return for 2023

Burnaby RCMP investigation leads to major drug bust at a home close to a school and a daycare

Two magazines seized from this residence had the capacity to hold 27 and 50 rounds. Along with the drugs and weapons, around $10,000 in cash, a large amount of drug packaging, equipment for re-pressing drugs and two vehicles were seized.

Burnaby RCMP investigation leads to major drug bust at a home close to a school and a daycare

Canadian attachment to monarchy dropping: poll

The web survey of 1,544 adults released Tuesday by market research firm Leger indicates many Canadians are greeting the ascension of Charles to the throne with a shrug. Only 12 per cent of respondents said it was good news that Charles is now King, compared to 14 per cent who said it was bad news and 67 per cent who were indifferent.

Canadian attachment to monarchy dropping: poll

TSB urges better medical screening guidelines

In a report published Tuesday, the independent federal agency recommended the Department of Transport "establish a framework for routine review and improvement" of its guidelines "to ensure it contains the most effective screening tools for assessing medical conditions," including cardiovascular health issues.