Qualicum Beach Fire Rescue made the following post on Facebook recently:
Ladder 58 was placed in service Jan. 11 – with a push-in ceremony before the practice that night. This new apparatus is outfitted with a 100-foot platform, a 1750igpm pump, and 300ig of water. It replaces its namesake (a 1996), which was equipped with a 105-foot straight stick, 1250igpm pump, and 250ig of on-board water. This is the third aerial we’ve had, but the first we’ve bought new. This is a custom build, created specifically for the needs of the community of Qualicum Beach.
With taxes, the fire truck cost just more than $2.1 million, pqbnews.com reported.
There are more than a few things that make the new aerial truck unique, so let’s talk about a few.
• Although it’s red, it’s a green truck. L58 is equipped with idle mitigation technology, when the truck is not pumping water or using the aerial device, the apparatus will automatically switch over to battery power instead of the diesel engine. This reduces our dependence on fuel, environmental noise, and wear on the engine.
• Now with a platform at the end of the ladder, we have a more versatile rescue capacity. We can place the platform below the turntable, instead of climbing down a ladder, patients can be placed onto the ground. This also allows us the ability to conduct below grade rescues or operate monitor streams that exceed the capacity of a firehose at grade or long distances from the truck.
• Aerials tend to be flashy because of their vertical reach, but the benefits of increased horizontal reach can’t be overstated. Aerial apparatus are unique in their skillset and their effectiveness from the roadside is unparalleled. The large pipe allows for greater reach along buildings, like our schools. Not only can we flow water from the monitor, we can also extend firehoses via standpipe connections at the platform, and the platform can be quickly placed into position as a high point for rescues.
• This truck was built with independent front suspension, allowing it to be much more maneuverable than its predecessor. The turning radius is much tighter than standard tandem axle trucks. With the rear-mount aerial, it will also be easier for our engineers to place the turntable at advantageous points by simply reversing into the scenes. Conversely, the rear-mount also allows us a greater vertical scrub, so we can also nose in closer to buildings and work lower story tactical points rapidly.
• Although it was already a custom build, our mechanics have spent a lot of time working on further customizing the truck. Specific tools and equipment unique to our operations needed to be mounted. We even brought the big bell over.
PRESS RELEASE
Qualicum Beach Fire Rescue proudly announces the addition of Ladder 58, a groundbreaking apparatus that has been in active service for just a couple of weeks.
Ladder 58 is a valuable addition to our firefighting fleet, boasting features that set it apart from traditional firetrucks. It marks a significant advancement in our emergency response capabilities, specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of Qualicum Beach and its community.
One of the biggest stand-out elements of the L58 is that although it’s red, it’s also green! Equipped with eco-friendly idle mitigation technology, it automatically switches to battery power to run emergency lighting, heating, and air conditioning when not actively engaged in firefighting operations. This green initiative reduces fuel consumption, minimizes environmental noise, and extends the engine’s lifespan.
Equipped with a platform at the end of the 100-foot ladder, it facilitates safer patient transfers to the ground and enables below-grade rescues. In addition, it offers exceptional horizontal reach, providing better access to buildings.
Although it was already a custom build, Town mechanics spent time mounting specific tools and equipment unique to the Town’s operations. Even our iconic fire bell has found its place on this remarkable apparatus.
Overall, this new Ladder 58 is a much more advanced piece of apparatus than its predecessor (now retired) that will empower more efficient and effective emergency responses in our community.
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