Fire trucks moving toward an interface fire (photo /Vernon Matters)

By Kevin Rothwell

Delays at Ford production facility

COVID delays delivery of new fire rescue equipment

Mar 24, 2021 | 3:38 PM

The interface forest fire season has started early in 2021, but the City of Vernon won’t be receiving a new wildland fire apparatus unit until near the end of June.

There have been a few grass fires, and Vernon Fire Rescue crews were called to a small fire on a trail in Ellison Provincial Park on Wednesday (March 24).

The equipment had an estimated delivery date of April 2021, but COVID restrictions have resulted in a delay of the chassis being built by Ford and delivered to the manufacturer. The build of the apparatus is now estimated to begin April 1 with a delivery to Vernon by Canada day.

The wildland fire vehicle has more robust ground clearance and four wheel drive, allowing better access to brush and grass fires over rough terrain.

A new Squad/Command vehicle was also ordered with delivery expected in December 2020.

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That vehicle is also being delayed by a production slowdown at a Ford manufacturing plant. The chassis is now scheduled to be delivered to the fire truck manufacturer in early May, with a delivery to Vernon estimated for middle of June 2021.