BOWSER — A freshly arrived new fire truck represents numerous positives for an increasingly busy rural fire department.
Bow Horn Bay Fire Department (BHBFD) recently received a new $745,000 fire truck courtesy of Winnipeg-based manufacturer Fort Garry Fire Trucks.
Excited fire department chief Mark Taylor said the feature-packed vehicle is a critical new addition to their four-truck fleet.
This is the first new fire truck for the Bow Horn Bay department in 15 years. (BHBVFD)He said new fire truck helps to maintain an important accreditation.
“Which allows our residents to have a reduced insurance rate due to the fact that we’re able to provide water to their home even without a fire hydrant, that’s a great addition,” Taylor told NanaimoNewsNOW.
Designed with rural firefighting requirements in mind, Taylor said the new 4X4 truck can pump water while en-route to fires, has enlarged and pre-connected hose capabilities, as well as a higher 34-foot ladder.
“We have a lot more cupboard space, we’re able to put a lot more equipment in it; that helps us a lot, instead of having to leave stuff at the hall and having to divide it between trucks.”
Equipped with on-the-spot chained tire conversion ability, Taylor said the new truck is an excellent fit for their rugged conditions, as well as wildland firefighting if required.
Stating the truck is their first new apparatus since 2010, a second new truck is slated to arrive in two years.
A pair of aging trucks will be sold to make way for the refreshed fleet, Taylor confirmed.
Outfitted with a department of four full-time members and 20 paid-on-call volunteers, Taylor said new fire trucks are essential to enhancing community safety and bolstering department morale.
“Everyone’s really happy to have the truck and it’s just one of the many things to help keep the members here.”
BHBFD is trending toward its busiest year on record, with a target of 270 call-outs, which would surpass the previous high mark set last year with 257.
While nearly 70 per cent of BHBVFD call-outs are medical aid related, an increasing number of structure fires have occurred in the region.
“We’ve had seven fires this year and five full-on structure fires in 2025. There’s other departments haven’t had any,” Taylor said.
According to the RDN, the new BHBVFD truck was funded through $475,000 from short-term borrowing and $270,000 in reserve funding.
The BHBVFD hall is located at 220 Lions Way in Qualicum Bay.
The newest Bow Horn Bay fire department truck is scheduled to be joined by another new engine in 2027. (BHBVFD)Local news. Delivered. Free. Subscribe to our daily news wrap and get our top local stories delivered to your email inbox every evening.
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