Published March 31, 2025 by the Resort Municipality of Whistler
Whistler, B.C.
(Photo courtesy of Safetek Profire. Unit may not be exactly as shown.)
The Whistler Fire Rescue Service (WFRS) is upgrading its vehicle fleet this spring with a new fire truck that significantly expands its water-pumping capacity, thanks to a $700,000 donation from the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation.
“The addition of this new wildland fire truck significantly improves our ability to respond to fire and motor vehicle incidents in the community,” says WFRS Chief Thomas Doherty. “Upgrading our fleet was identified as a core need through the development of last year’s Community Wildfire Defence Plan, so we are extremely grateful to the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation for this timely support.”
The new wildland truck, manufactured by Safetek Profire in Abbotsford, is replacing an existing truck that has reached the end of its lifespan. It increases water-pumping capacity from 50 to 500 gallons, and its comparatively small size means it is agile enough to access off-road areas as well as respond to motor vehicle accidents. It is expected for service by June.
The Whistler Blackcomb Foundation’s generous donation not only contributes to Whistler’s wildfire resiliency and emergency planning goals, but also lessens the financial burden on the local taxpayer.
“Our mission as a foundation is to help non-profit organizations that benefit residents of the Sea to Sky, and I can think of few greater benefits than knowing our hard-working firefighters and first responders are equipped with the best tools to keep our community safe,” said Mei Madden, executive director of the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation.
Whistler is especially susceptible to the risk of wildfire, given its proximity to the forest. The Resort Municipality of Whistler’s (RMOW) Community Wildfire Defence Plan provides an implementation strategy for the earlier, overarching Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan. This includes policy, emergency planning and training.
“Whether it’s Fort McMurray, Lytton, Jasper or the recent Los Angeles wildfires, we’ve all seen the devastating impact wildfire can have on a community,” said Mayor Jack Crompton. “This donation could not have come at a better time, as our summers grow hotter and drier and the RMOW and WFRS continue efforts to mitigate the risk of fire. We could not be more grateful to the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation for contributing to this important mission.”
Since 1992, the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation has supported hundreds of charities and deserving organizations across the Sea to Sky with grants totalling more than $22 million.
The WFRS is preparing to replace two more fire trucks within its fleet this year. The first rescue pumper is expected to be in service by the end of May, while the second is anticipated for service by early September.
About the Resort Municipality of Whistler
Situated within the shared, unceded territory of the L̓il̓wat7úl (Líl̓wat People) and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish People), the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) is a destination resort community, local government organization and leader in providing municipal programs, services, progressive planning and infrastructure for almost 14,000 permanent residents and over three million annual visitors. Whistler is located approximately two hours north of Vancouver along the picturesque Sea-to-Sky Highway and within the epic Coast Mountain range.
Our vision: A place where our community thrives, nature is protected and guests are inspired.
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