Lake George Volunteer Fire Chief Jason Berry on Tuesday made a pitch to replace the current Sutphen aerial tower truck, which is about 24 years old. It is reaching the end of its useful life, according to National Fire Protection Association standards, he said.  

The current truck is corroding, the check engine light is on and it has had some minor electrical problems and has not been running smoothly, according to Berry. The department spent $78,000 in repairs from 2014 to 2017, including to fix structural cracks, replace the aerial swivel and address hydraulic and electrical issues, according to Berry.

Dozens of Alberta firefighters, charities and businesses worked together over six months to refurbish and equip the 1987 Ford, which belonged to the Wetaskiwin Fire Department before it was decomissioned.  

The two Rotary clubs partnered with firefighters and businesses in both cities to update and outfit the 32-year-old truck with uniforms, hoses, pumps and oxygen tanks.  

The truck also has a fresh coat of lemon-yellow paint and crests from both the Grande Prairie and Roatan fire departments.

The fire happened on West Street just before 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 6, in a parking lot. Eyewitnesses reported seeing smoke coming from the cab of Truck 8, which is used as a backup.  

Two civilians went to the hospital for smoke inhalation, and one firefighter was also taken to the hospital for an eye injury. The fire caused significant damage to the mechanical systems of the truck.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.