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New fire truck arrives in Sparwood

Sparwood’s newest fire truck has just arrived, the unit looks sharp and shiny but behind it’s bold appearance is a truck that is fully equipped to fight fires in rural areas. Karl Ehrler, Sparwood’s acting Fire Chief, explains some of the special features. “The truck has four wheel drive, it is capable of holding 1800 gallons of water and also has a water bladder which can hold the 1800 gallons in the event that there is no water source, the truck then will act as a water hauler.
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Acting Fire Chief Karl Ehrler and RDEK Director Area ‘A’ Mike Sosnowski stand in front of Sparwood’s new fire truck. Sosnowski was highly influential in bringing the extended fire service to the areas north of Sparwood.

Sparwood’s newest fire truck has just arrived, the unit looks sharp and shiny but behind it’s bold appearance is a truck that is fully equipped to fight fires in rural areas. Karl Ehrler, Sparwood’s acting Fire Chief, explains some of the special features. “The truck has four wheel drive, it is capable of holding 1800 gallons of water and also has a water bladder which can hold the 1800 gallons in the event that there is no water source, the truck then will act as a water hauler. Also, the truck is equipped with a pump so water can be drawn from a creek or pond,” he notes.

The truck has taken almost a year to be built. It’s chassis was built in the United States and the rest of the truck was assembled in Red Deer. The cost of the unit was approximately $320,000 and it has a service life of 20 years. It was purchased in full from the Regional District from mine tax funds. The truck will service Sparwood as well as covering the extended areas north of Sparwood.