The Oyster River Volunteer Fire Rescue Association has added a 2018 Ford F-350 to help its fire rescue activities. It will be used as a duty officer truck, replacing an outdated, oversized F-550. The new truck will enable better maneuverability and rescue scene access.
The association has also purchased a 2018 utility vehicle (UTV) to be used in the Oyster River area during the summer months. It’s currently being used on Mt. Washington since winter weather conditions inhibit the use of the fire engine. The UTV will be used to move crew and trailer-mounted equipment to an emergency and will be located on the mountain each winter season.
“Since Oyster River Fire Rescue provides fire protection to residents and property owners of Mt. Washington as well, it’s great to be able to utilize this piece of equipment effectively in both of these fire protection areas,” Area C director Edwin Grieve said.
The association has utilized funds received from the 2017 and 2018 summer-time deployments when Oyster River Fire Rescue was called to help fight forest fires in other parts of the province.
“Our local firefighters earned funds through provincial deployments over the last two years, and they have used these funds to enhance their services throughout the region. Thanks to the Oyster River Fire Rescue Association for stepping up whenever people are in need of help,” said Brenda Leigh, chair of the Black Creek-Oyster Bay Services Committee.
“Donating both of these vehicles to the fire rescue service saves the taxpayers $120,000,” added Oyster River Fire Chief Bruce Green. “We feel fortunate to have been able to find the means for these purchases in a fiscally responsible way to better serve residents in our fire protection area.”