The Waskesiu Fire Department's new compressor. (Facebook/Waskesiu Fire Department)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Public Safety

New piece of equipment big for volunteer fire department

Nov 17, 2019 | 8:00 AM

The Waskesiu Fire Department have received a new piece of equipment this week.

The department’s new compressor, which replaces the one they had previous, is used by firefighters to fill up their breathing equipment. Fire Chief Les Karpluk said they appreciate Parks Canada stepping up and paying for the new compressor.

“Having them not only supply the equipment, but really not question we need it is significant and makes our job a lot easier,” he said.

The previous compressor was older and Karpluk said if firefighters were without a compressor and unable to fill up their breathing equipment it would limit them in their ability to perform their duties.

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“Basically, we’re standing outside, up wind and throwing water on the fire, which is not what you want from a fire department,” he said.

Karpluk added by supplying firefighters with the compressor are making it clear safety is a high priority for them.

This is not the first time Parks Canada has stepped up to help the department. Parks Canada and the Waskesiu Foundation provided the department with some new equipment this summer.

“It means everything, obviously without their support, we can’t do what we do,” he said.

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn