Additional equipment for the Atikokan Fire Department has already helped reduce response times.
After more than 30 years in service, an old fire truck has been decommissioned. In its place is a new state-of-the-art 2014 model.
There are some new features on the truck, including flood lights that will help firefighters combat blazes during the nighttime hours. The cab has also been designed for weather in Northwestern Ontario.
It can be used as a control centre to give firefighters a place to warm up, or cool down.
It also comes with a foam system that the Atikokan fire chief says can be very effective in controlling wood structure blazes.
After it's outfitted, the truck comes with a hefty price tag of about $400,000. But the vehicle is already earning it's keep.
Last month, the truck responded to its first fire.
The Atikokan Fire Department is comprised of 24 firefighters, along with the chief. It responds to about 50 or 60 calls each year.
(Thunder Bay Television)
