A new pumper-tanker fire truck, Number 882, was added to the Cramahe (Ontario, Canada) Fire Department fleet earlier this month, according to a fire department Facebook posting.
To retain fire department accreditation, a certified pumper replacement was required in 2023. Preliminary cost estimates came in at over $720,000 — with a 1.5- to 2-year waiting period due to supply chain issues.
“Cramahe Fire Chief Mark MacDonald and former interim Fire Chief Bruce Greatrix showed real initiative,” Cramahe Township Mayor Mandy Martin says. “They went on a national hunt and located a 2021 demo unit with full warranty (15,000 km) in British Columbia. The unit has never been in service. It was a demo unit which travelled to trade shows across Canada.”
The new pumper tanker sticker price was $530,000. Final cost is $604,000 with taxes, upgrades, delivery and decals included, funded through reserves — a $200,000 saving from the original estimates.
Presented with this information, Cramahe Township council unanimously approved the purchase.
“This tanker holds twice the capacity of the other Cramahe tankers,” Chief MacDonald says. “It enhances our ability to ensure adequate water supply at fire scenes. Further, Cramahe Fire Department now matches the large capacity equipment of our neighbouring departments which aids greatly in cycling tankers at mutual aid scenes.”
Firefighters are currently receiving training on the new truck which is based out of the Castleton Fire Station.