Blackpool Volunteer Fire Department has a new 50 kilowatt diesel generator.
“We wanted it as a backup source of power for the firehall,” said Blackpool fire protection committee chair Dave Poole. “It's definitely worth it, now that we have it in place.”
The committee has recognized the need for a backup generator for a number of years, said Tim Pennell, Thompson-Nicola Regional District director for Wells Gray Country (Area A).
Through good management, the committee had enough money in its account to buy the generator without raising taxes.
Total cost was about $43,000.
The generator is powerful enough to supply the firehall plus the nearby Blackpool community hall and still have a surplus.
The community hall is not connected at present, but an electrician could do it quickly in an emergency.
Pennell credited Blackpool fire chief Garry Ruston with pushing for the generator.
“We're ready,” said Ruston. “If the electricity goes off, we've got power. We're good to go, whether it's winter or summer.”
The generator is computer-controlled and always on standby, said the fire chief.
If the electricity goes out for 12 seconds, it automatically turns on.
Every second Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., during fire practices, it turns itself on for a half hour.
It went into operation on Tuesday of last week.
Despite its size the generator is quieter than many designed for residential use, Ruston said.
'It works good. It's not rocket science. Push the button,” the fire chief said.