Pitt Meadows Fire and Rescue Service (PMFRS) now has its very own plane, or at least parts of one.
It was recently announced that Montair Aviation Inc. had donated a fuselage, which is the main body of an aircraft, to the local Pitt Meadows fire department to assist with the training of local firefighters.
Fire chief Stephan Drolet explained that this fuselage will be a key asset in the emergency response training conducted at the training grounds near the Pitt Meadows Regional Airport.
"Specialized skills like these require hands-on practice, and this new prop will significantly enhance the team's ability to respond safely and effectively," said Drolet.
"An aircraft is different from an automobile or motor vehicle on the road. An aircraft is different in size, with different access points and different and tighter spaces, etc. So having the donated fuselage allows for the members to practice emergency response and evacuation training with the appropriate vehicle and allows us to be ready and better prepared in the case of an aircraft emergency."
Pitt Meadows firefighters will soon begin their training with the newly donated aircraft, which was a group effort that will greatly benefit the entire community, explained Drolet.
"We are incredibly grateful for Montair Aviation Inc.’s generous donation, as well as Load Eye Logistics for their support in relocating the fuselage to our training grounds, free of charge."