A new wildfire engine is heading to Big Valley this fall following a major fleet investment by the County of Stettler council.
At its May 27 meeting, the county council voted to purchase the Maximetal Paragon Pumper from Delta, B.C.-based Commercial Truck Equipment Corp for $841,410.
The Brush Rapid Attack Truck (BRAT), which is currently under construction in Quebec, is expected to be delivered by November 2026.
Once delivered, the new engine will be stationed at Heartland Regional Fire Station 2 in Big Valley.
The purchase will allow Heartland Regional Fire to shuffle its existing fleet to the other stations.
Big Valley’s 2004 Superior Pumper will be transferred to Station 3 in Donalda.
Donalda’s 1991 GMC truck will then move to Station 4 in Byemoor, allowing Byemoor to sell its 1990 GMC truck.
The total cost includes the $801,343 base price for the stock truck and a five percent contingency of $40,067 for modifications such as hoses.
The purchase is entirely funded through the county’s fire capital reserve, coming in under the $850,000 allocation in the 2026 capital budget.
County fire services told council they were able to test drive a BRAT truck being used by the Innisfail Fire Department.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
