Gun Lake Fire Protection Society (GLF) has so far raised $36,370 for a much-needed, new fire truck through gofundme.
The old one has reached the end of its serviceable life and due for retirement—especially given it's 33 years old.
New equipment would be well used: Last summer, seventeen Gun Lake firefighters volunteered over 8,000 hours to protect the place they call home.
They helped BC Wildfire Service when disaster struck and more than 40 structures burned to the ground when a rare fire tornado formed over the edge of Gun Lake near Gold Bridge, B.C. in the early hours of Aug. 18, 2023.
Volunteers want to make sure they have all the equipment they need. Fire Chief, Al Leighton said that repairs are no longer possible on the 33-year-old truck. “It’s badly needed,” he said. “The truck has an Achilles heel. It has an emergency brake system that Ford only used for a couple of years. If I break a part in that system, it will take the truck out too.”
The cost of the replacement firetruck will be approximately $500,000. GLF can receive grant funding for up to 50% of this cost but need to raise the initial amount through donations. The team’s members donated their wages to the cause after the Downtown Lake Fire.
Local businesses and neighbours have donated to the larger fundraising goal in their droves. The McLean McCuaig Foundation donated a whopping $50,000. Another $5,000 came from Lillooet Timber Mart. The society is edging ever closer to its goal but is calling on locals to give what they can. “If you live, play, visit or know about this special area please consider donating towards the cost of a new fire truck,” wrote Leighton. “It is a vital lifeline to help protect the community from the risk of wildfire.”
You can donate to the important fundraiser here.
GLF was first set up in 1999, and has been a part of the wildfire defense of the community since.
