Sicamous Fire Rescue (SFR) crews will be cleaner than ever with council's approval to purchase a new extractor turnout gear washer.
At the July 9 meeting, council received a request to buy and install the wash machine as an upgrade from the current residential one being used.
鈥淭he request for the washer is part of our WorkSafe requirements for our on-call firefighters. An extractor is a high speed or high velocity tumbler washer that鈥檚 commercial grade that removes carcinogenic chemicals from turnout gear," chief administrative officer Dean Strachan explained, adding that it will also help dry the gear faster.
"It cleans the gear to a higher extent, as well almost dries the gear completely when it comes out. The high-speed extraction removes the water along with the chemicals, so when they dry the gear, it鈥檚 much more rapid... that鈥檚 important for our crews.鈥�
When asked if the Eagle Valley Rescue Society, which shares the fire hall, will be able to use the machine as well, Strachan said that shared service is part of their current agreement with the SFR, and will remain the same going forward.
The estimated cost of the 35-pound extractor unit and installation is $21,000, and will be funded through the fire equipment reserve.
鈥淒oes this affect anything else we have planned for capital upgrades with the fire department?" Coun. Ian Baillie asked. "I see we have $482,000 in reserves but... I thought we already had that kind of allocated to other fire truck upgrades and I鈥檓 just wondering what impact this has.鈥�
Strachan reassured the finance department had done an analysis of the fund and there are still adequate reserves to cover all budget obligations.
