West Side Fire Exposes Water Supply Vulnerabilities

Saint John firefighters tackled a severe truck fire on the city west side yesterday. The incident occurred in a residential area lacking fire hydrants. If you live in a neighborhood without municipal water access, you rely entirely on mobile water sources during an emergency.

When crews arrived, they found a fully involved truck fire. The flames had already spread to two enclosed trailers near a home.

Image source: Saint John Firefighters

The Importance of Tanker Trucks

The Saint John Firefighters union used this event to point out a major safety concern. The city owns two tanker trucks. These vehicles act as mobile fire hydrants. However, the city does not staff both trucks around the clock. Yesterday, only one tanker truck had a dedicated crew.

Fortunately, the staffed tanker was at Station 7. This station was the closest to the fire. The crew from Engine 7 used the tanker to make an initial attack and contain the flames. This quick action prevented the fire from spreading further and damaging the nearby home.

Firefighters state that having these trucks staffed at all times is vital for public safety and property protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did the truck fire happen?

The fire occurred on the west side of Saint John in an area without fire hydrants.

Why are tanker trucks important for Saint John firefighters?

Tanker trucks act as mobile fire hydrants. They provide essential water to fight fires in areas of the city that lack a municipal water supply.

How many tanker trucks does Saint John have?

The city has two tanker trucks. Firefighters note the city does not staff both of them at all times.