After years of planning and work, the Village of Canal Flats Fire Department has added a new fire truck to its fleet.

“The process started about eight years ago,” said fire chief Stuart Moore. “But you could say that the catalyst that really set this off was when Ruth arrived here.”

Ruth Copeland-Brunell, whom the firefighters invited to come watch the new truck’s inspection, was thanked with a large sign. Copeland-Brunell was the town manager, and had a background in fire services as well.

“She saw a need for the new truck, and really helped me to push for it,” said Moore.

Copeland-Brunell contacted Gary Hovdebo, fire engine and pump system specialist with HOTSHOT Fire Trucks Ltd.

Hovdebo was to be the consultant on the design and purchase of the new truck from the chosen manufacturer, Hub Fire Engines, in Abbottsford.

“It’s state of the art, and a number of the design concepts are state of the art,” said Hovdebo.

Among the design concepts of the $274,000 truck are an enclosed hose storage bed and a pump and roll feature.

“One of my captains and I did a pre-delivery inspection in Abbottsford,” said Moore. “My initial reaction was that I was really pleased with the truck and its layout. It is exactly what we ordered, and it is tailored to our specific needs.”

One of these needs is the truck’s large water-carrying capacity and ability to pump while on the move.

“Things led to a design that allowed the truck to pump on the move, which meant that the design also carries the largest amount of water possible, yet is still fast and mobile,” said Hovdebo.

“There are areas in our jurisdiction that are not serviced by hydrants,” explained Moore.

“We needed something to carry water, which this truck does, but it also pumps. This will fill a huge hole that we had.”

The truck will be ready for service once it is equipped with hoses and the proper paperwork is received.

In the meantime, Hovdebo will be conducting a training class on the use of the new truck, and an air brake course will also be held for members in the department.

“The next step is to expand the hall, now,” said Moore.

With the new truck and original pumper taking up the majority of space at the hall, additional vehicles like the mobile water tanker and first aid vehicle will be parked at a separate, secure location.

The new truck will be the go-to vehicle for future calls, and because of its mobile water tank and pumping features, it will put less stress on the former water tanker.