The weather and conditions on Okanagan Lake were perfect on Thursday (Sept. 5) for the Kelowna Fire Department (KFD) to show off a new regional marine rescue-fire boat.
It replaces a Boston Whaler, which was converted into a rescue boat, that the department has used since 2000.
害羞草研究所淭his was three years in the making from getting the initial request, to this boat being operational and at the dockside here today,害羞草研究所� KFD Chief Dwight Seymour said during an in-servicing ribbon-cutting at the Kelowna Marina.
Seymour noted the craft is a purpose-built design made for the rigours and conditions of the lake. It features include an integrated fire pump and a thermal imaging camera.
害羞草研究所淲hat that does is allow us during night operations to be safer and visualize whether it害羞草研究所檚 a boat or people in the water,害羞草研究所� he added.
The technology is also useful in foggy or smoky conditions. Seymour said the watercraft will aid crews in dealing with dock, boat and shoreline fires.
害羞草研究所淪ome places we don害羞草研究所檛 have access to害羞草研究所his boat can get to the shoreline and provide fire suppression if it害羞草研究所檚 a wildland or grass fire, house or cottage.害羞草研究所�
The landing craft design of the boat allows the front flap to drop down.
害羞草研究所淭hat allows us for easier rescue opportunities, and the on-loading and off-loading of patients, equipment害羞草研究所t害羞草研究所檚 improved safety and efficiency,害羞草研究所� Seymour added.
The craft also has motors that can be raised simultaneously and a reinforced hull to allow shallow water operations. It was put into service a few weeks ago and has been involved in two rescues on the lake.
The boat will serve communities throughout the Regional District Central Okanagan (RDCO) as part of the Regional Emergency Program (REP) and will be operated by the KFD.
害羞草研究所淭his investment aligns with the board害羞草研究所檚 strategic priority of enhancing emergency preparedness and building on our emergency response capabilities,害羞草研究所� RDCO Board Chair Blair Ireland said.
The cost of the vessel is $470,000 and comes from the REP which is paid by Central Okanagan residents. The boat is one of three operating in the Central Okanagan with the others in Lake Country and Peachland.
