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

CP investigation into allegations of toxic workplace at CSIS

The investigation, by reporter Darryl Greer, includes interviews with two covert officers who say they were sexually assaulted by a senior colleague while on duty, and two other officers who support their claims. The story provides a rare look inside Canada's spy agency.

CP investigation into allegations of toxic workplace at CSIS

El Niño brings a warm start to winter, but that could change: Weather Network

The Weather Network predicts El Niño conditions will lead to above-average temperatures and lower-than-normal precipitation levels in much of the country, particularly in Western and Central Canada. While that trend is expected to hold throughout the winter in British Columbia and the Prairie provinces, the network said areas further east may see more variable conditions as the season progresses.

El Niño brings a warm start to winter, but that could change: Weather Network

Respondents to Bank of Canada questionnaire largely oppose creating a digital loonie

The Bank of Canada’s public consultations on the creation of a digital Canadian dollar reveal most respondents are opposed to it. The central bank released its findings Wednesday that show more than 80 per cent of respondents strongly opposed the Bank of Canada researching and building the capability to issue a digital dollar.

Respondents to Bank of Canada questionnaire largely oppose creating a digital loonie

Three in four Canadians say higher immigration is worsening housing crisis: poll

A large majority of Canadians agree that higher immigration is fuelling the housing crisis and putting pressure on the health-care system, a new Leger poll suggests. New federal voting intention numbers from the polling firm also show that the Conservatives are maintaining their sizable lead over the governing Liberals.

Three in four Canadians say higher immigration is worsening housing crisis: poll

Ottawa reaches deal with Google over controversial Online News Act

The federal Liberal government has reached a deal with Google over the Online News Act, following threats from the digital giant that it would remove news from its search platform in Canada. A government official confirmed that news to The Canadian Press under condition of anonymity, because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the deal.

Ottawa reaches deal with Google over controversial Online News Act

Thick fog blankets Metro Vancouver

Environment Canada says thick fog is leading to near-zero visibility throughout the Metro Vancouver area. A blanket of fog has hung over the Lower Mainland since Sunday.