Five new firetrucks will be added to the Township of Langley’s fleet next year.
On Oct. 23, council approved purchasing of the engine/tankers to replace older models that are coming to the end of their service.
The trucks will be ordered from Safetek Firetrucks in Abbotsford at an estimated cost of $552,080. If the Township had waited to place the order in 2018, the cost would have jumped by four per cent,to $575,164, Fire Chief Stephan Gamble told council.
“What we’re doing is replacing engine/tankers that we have currently in the fleet that have hit 20 years, and they have to be replaced, otherwise we don’t meet our accreditation,” he said.
The vehicles have the capability of pumping water, and also to carry more water than normal engines do, Gamble said. They can carry 1,200 gallons, versus 500 gallons for regular engines.
“It’s equal to the same amount as if you had a hydrant right in front of your property,” Gamble said.
Coun. Charlie Fox was enthusiastic about the purchase.
“Living in rural south Langley and witnessing a number of fires, I think its absolutely critical that we increase the number of tanker trucks and the capacity of these trucks because it is a significant issue when these buildings go up,” Fox said.