Big Lakes County is pleased to announce the arrival of a new pumper rescue fire truck. Approved by Council as part of the 2024 budget, the new truck will replace the current 22-year-old fire truck serving the Hamlet of Grouard. The purchase reflects the County’s ongoing commitment to investing in public safety and emergency response, while ensuring its Fire Services team has modern, reliable equipment.
“Investing in our fire services is an investment in the safety of our communities,” said Big Lakes County Reeve Tyler Airth. “This new pumper rescue truck gives our firefighters the equipment they need to respond to a wide range of emergencies. We appreciate the work of our Fire Services team and Council’s continued commitment to ensuring our communities have the resources they need when it matters most.”
Manufactured by Acres Emergency Vehicles in Manitoba, the new truck was delivered to the Grouard Fire Hall on August 26, 2026. The pumper rescue carries 800 gallons of water and is equipped with modern firefighting and rescue equipment to improve firefighter safety, response capabilities and operational efficiency. Designed for versatility, the truck can respond to wildland fires, structure fires and a range of other emergency situations. After more than two years from order to delivery, the new apparatus is expected to serve the Grouard community and surrounding areas for the next two decades.
“On behalf of Big Lakes County Fire Services, I would like to thank Council for their support in making this addition to our fleet possible,” said Big Lakes County Fire Chief Jason Cottingham. “This new truck is part of our strategy to replace aging equipment with a more versatile vehicle that offers multi-purpose capabilities. This not only improves our operational efficiency but also reduces our reliance on specialized units, ultimately enhancing our response times and capacity.”
Big Lakes County is actively recruiting volunteer firefighters to join the team. Those interested in making a difference in their community can contact Luci Martinson, Deputy Fire Chief, at 780-523-1547 or via email at [email protected].
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Media Contact:
Victoria Zahacy
Communications Coordinator
Phone: 780-523-5955
Email: [email protected]
