Gambier Island (B.C., Canada) is getting its first-ever functioning fire truck, which was built from scratch by local resident Doug Buckle, reports coastreporter.net.
Buckle, a former emergency vehicle technician for the West Vancouver Fire Department for 19 years, previously built trucks for Lions Bay and Pemberton.
The process began about a year and a half ago when he found a used cab chassis with low use. He cleaned it, a friend painted it, and then he found an engine’s compressed air foam unit that had never been used, and the apparatus was outfitted with equipment.
Buckle says he’d like to build a second truck for use on the other end of Gambier Island—as well as because a second apparatus is necessary to form an official volunteer fire department.
Currently, Gambier Island is equipped with about three trailers holding a fire hose, first aid equipment, an oxygen tank, and other tools. The trailers remain unlocked so that anyone who needs them has access. Buckle’s apparatus will be available primarily to people who have been trained to use it or to professional firefighters—and, until there is a station in which to house it, the truck will be kept and maintained at Buckle’s abode.