These cutting-edge acquisitions will allow SSIT to increase its intervention capacity in specific sectors of the community that are less accessible or not connected to the hydrant network.

The new trucks also meet the latest health and safety standards. The so-called clean cabins, an option added to the four acquisitions, incorporate an air filtration system that allows better evacuation of carcinogenic or harmful particles caused by the smoke of the fires, as well as removable seats that are easier to clean. decontaminate.

“For us, ensuring the well-being of our teams is a priority. We want to minimize the risk of occupational diseases for our firefighters who work hard to serve the people of Terrebonne,” says Sylvain Dufresne, Fire Director.

A low profile platform, a first in Canada

Among the novelties, SSIT has acquired a flat platform ladder truck, the first of its kind in Canada. This special platform reduces the height of the truck by up to 8 inches and is equipped with an extra long reach ladder. In particular, this novelty responds to a problem of access to the Île Saint-Jean via the motorway bridge, which allows a maximum height of 13 feet, limiting access for trucks traveling at a certain speed and requiring a slowdown. An important topic, because every minute counts in the event of a fire. The SSIT team traveled to Minnesota to make this first acquisition in the country.

New technologies for firefighters

Another acquisition is an emergency unit equipped with a wired, long-range drone. Equipped with two cameras, the device offers high-resolution real-time resolution, a 360-degree option and an infrared camera that can use the heat emitted to track the progress of a fire and locate people at a certain distance. , especially very useful in tall grass during road incidents.

Other purchases include a new 1,500-gallon capacity pumper tanker that will ensure approximately fifteen minutes of autonomy in the event of a fire, valuable time to get water to the site. This vehicle will optimize the deployment of firefighters in the event of fires in sectors not served by hydrants, ie almost 10% of Terrebonne’s territory.

“The safety of our citizens is very important to us. We are proud to invest in a fleet of vehicles through this major purchase that will allow our fire department to improve the efficiency of teams on operations,” said Mathieu Traversy, Mayor of Terrebonne.

With the operational lifespan of a firefighting vehicle being 20 years by established standards, it remains imperative to update firefighting equipment and ensure optimal maintenance.