The Whistler Fire Rescue Service (WFRS) is preparing to roll out a new addition to its emergency fleet—a wildland fire truck that boosts water-pumping power tenfold—thanks to a $700,000 donation from the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation.
The custom-built vehicle, manufactured by Safetek Profire in Abbotsford, replaces an aging truck at the end of its service life and is expected to be operational by June.
Fire Chief Thomas Doherty said the vehicle upgrade directly supports the fire department’s wildfire and emergency response capabilities.
“The addition of this new wildland fire truck significantly improves our ability to respond to fire and motor vehicle incidents in the community,” Doherty said in a release. “Upgrading our fleet was identified as a core need through the development of last year’s Community Wildfire Defence Plan, so we are extremely grateful to the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation for this timely support.”
The new truck is compact enough to reach off-road wildfire zones and increases water-pumping capacity from 50 to 500 gallons. The unit can also respond to vehicle collisions and other emergencies.
As wildfire risk continues to escalate across B.C., particularly in forest-bound regions like Whistler, the vehicle is a strategic investment in the community’s resilience.
“Our mission as a foundation is to help non-profit organizations that benefit residents of the Sea to Sky,” said Whistler Blackcomb Foundation executive director Mei Madden in the release. “I can think of few greater benefits than knowing our hard-working firefighters and first responders are equipped with the best tools to keep our community safe.”
Whistler Mayor Jack Crompton noted the donation comes at a critical time.
“Whether it’s Fort McMurray, Lytton, Jasper or the recent Los Angeles wildfires, we’ve all seen the devastating impact wildfire can have on a community,” he said in the release. “This donation could not have come at a better time, as our summers grow hotter and drier.”
The new truck supports the goals of Whistler’s Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan and its more recent implementation strategy, the Community Wildfire Defence Plan, which outline proactive measures in training, emergency planning and policy development.
The wildland unit is one of three new vehicles WFRS plans to add this year. A rescue pumper is expected to arrive by the end of May, followed by another in September.
Since 1992, the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation has awarded more than $22 million in grants to Sea to Sky non-profits and community-serving organizations.
