PROJECT SUMMARY C-176: FIRE SERVICES VEHICLE REPLACEMENT

Project Summary

Priority: Critical Project Name: Fire services vehicle replacement-1991 brush truck Project Number: 2-2-12102-540 CC1279 Submitted by: P. Hurst, Fire Chief

Executive Summary

The replacement of an existing fleet vehicle in the fire department inventory. In 2000 it was identified that the Town had limited to no wildland firefighting capabilities. In 2001 a wildland brush truck was purchased and put into service. This vehicle replaced a previously purchased brush truck in 2006.

Business problem and opportunity

The current vehicle was scheduled for replacement in 2025. Currently the vehicle is out of service due to a failure of the trucks pump capability. The truck was purchased used from BC wildfire in 2006. Modifications and upgrades have occurred over the years to make and keep it reliable, however a recent fire event realized the failure of the truck’s pump. Ironically this motor and pump were replaced with a reconditioned pump earlier in the year due to age and failures, only to have the replacement fail as well.

The pump aside, a 1991 vehicle far exceeds its life span as a front-line fire apparatus and mechanical failures have occurred and will occur without prediction. The truck is critical to protecting the Town’s green spaces and forested areas. It is intended to purchase a truck that meets ULC standards for firefighting and pump capacity (current truck does not) which would improve the Town’s pumping capacity and have potential effect on lowering insurance costs for residents and business.

These trucks are smaller than conventional fire engines, require two personnel to operate and are usually four-wheel drive.

Proposed project objectives

New brush trucks cost in the range of $700,000 to $1,000,000. Used trucks with low milage and use are available through brokers in the US for considerably less money, in the 200-300K range.

We have located a truck that will fit our requirements today, however similar units become available throughout the year. These vehicles are listed randomly and given the current market; they do not stay listed for sale long.

Business risks

Our current truck is outfitted exclusively with wildland and interface equipment. Loss of this vehicle and non-replacement poses a significant challenge in the response and deployment to wildland fires.

Proposed sources of funding

Casino revenue

Costs and benefits

Costs	FY1	FY2	FY3	FY4	FY5	5-year Total
Capital	350,000	0	0	0	0	350,000
Operational	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total	350,000	0	0	0	0	350,000
Benefits
Tangible
Intangible

Recommendation

THAT the Committee recommend the 2024-2028 Financial Plan include brush truck replacement in 2024 to be funded by Casino revenue.