Harbour Grace fire department hoping to bolster its fleet

By Olivia Bradbury / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Given the prevalence of forest fires this past summer, it’s probably no surprise the Harbour Grace fire department is asking council for a “brush truck” to get its members to the scene of conflagrations in the woods and off the beaten path.
The department made the request last month through Deputy Mayor Gary Baker, who is council’s liaison with the brigade.
Baker told council he was making the request having had the benefit of seeing a presentation by firefighter Jim Barnes, who has since been voted a crew chief at the department’s annual general meeting.
Baker said Barnes’ presentation included an overview of the department as well as a proposal for funds to purchase a “brush truck,” which could be used to fight wildfires as well as smaller brush fires.
“So, he presented that proposal, we have all the information at council, and we’ll certainly mull over that and come up with certainly a response for them in due course,” said Baker.
The brigade would also like a new pumper truck. That would entail the Town of Harbour Grace applying for provincial government funding for the vehicle on behalf of the department.
The current pumper is 26 years old. Baker said the application would have to be completed and submitted by early 2026.
“It takes several years to go through the process with Municipal Affairs and the appropriate channels,” said Baker, who then proposed a motion to get the paperwork started as soon as possible. The motion carried unanimously.