By the time this has been published, residents of East St Paul will have probably seen the newest piece of equipment purchased for the fire department, namely an aerial. The machine was built in 2010 by Pierce Manufacturing and is a combination pumper with a 105 foot ladder. Delivery took place at the end of April. The next few weeks involved equipping the truck with hose, breathing apparatus, fans for ventilation and other equipment such as axes etc. ESPFD members also received training on the aerial under the guidance of a Pierce Manufacturing company representative.

There may be a misunderstanding regarding the need for this type of vehicle in a municipality devoid of high rises etc. The aerial will be utilized in a number of ways such as:

• Safer, quicker and a more secure tool for rescue purposes.
• Safer access for ventilation to the top of residential roofs. There are a number of large houses in the RM with rooftops 50 to 60 feet or higher above ground. Conventional 36 foot high ladders are risky for firefighters.
• The ability to provide a high volume water tower in case of a fire in one of the tanks at the ESSO tank farm on Henderson Highway.
• A newer pump to supplement the 1988 pumper truck. North American standards recommend the replacement of pumpers once they are 20 years old.
• Can be used in trench rescue scenarios such as the one that occurred on Henderson Hwy a few years ago. Assistance in the form of an aerial was requested from the Winnipeg Fire Department which came with a financial cost to the RM.
• Another pumper in case of multiple fire calls occurring at the same time which is becoming more prevalent due to the ever increasing growth in population and corresponding increase in emergency calls.

The aerial, (designated F106), adds to the current fleet consisting of; two pumpers, F101 & F105, two tankers, F102 & F104 and a rescue, F103. The members of the East St Paul Fire Department would like to thank Council for their continuing support in providing this invaluable piece of equipment.

Fire department members would like to remind residents to be cautious when using outdoor fire pits during the summer months; do not burn on windy days in very dry conditions as sparks can start a rapid fire that can be difficult to control, have a garden hose readily available near the fire pit, do not burn garbage, grass, leaves or brush.

In cooperation with the RCMP, fire department members are reminding residents to observe the speed limits; don't drink and drive.

Have a safe and enjoyable summer!