Central York Fire Services has found a new way to deliver fire safety messaging with a fire truck Zamboni unveiled Nov. 17.
Newmarket and the fire department revealed the Zamboni adorned with fire safety messaging, which will be used at the RIverwalk Commons this winter to clear the ice. The initiative aims to spread community fire safety awareness.
Deputy Fire Chief Jeremy Inglis said the idea came from social media; similar Zambonis have appeared in other communities. The fire department saw it as a great way to spread messages with open houses sidelined due to the pandemic.
“What better way to put out fire safety messaging than wrap a Zamboni and get into the arenas, where so many Canadians spend their winters?” Inglis said.
Newmarket's Knightworks Design wrapped the Zamboni based on an existing Central York Fire Services apparatus, Inglis said. He said the cost for it was under $2,000, taken from budgeting that might have gone to open houses.
Fire Chief Ian Laing said public education is a top priority for the department, and the Zamboni will aid in that.
“The pandemic restrictions have made it challenging to truly engage our community and keep fire safety top of mind while everyone is grappling with message overload,” Laing said in a news release. “Adding Z429 to the fleet gives us an opportunity to meet people of all ages, where they are, in a safe and fun way.”
The Zamboni has attracted attention, with firefighters from other departments wanting to get one as well. Inglis said the department plans to add one in Aurora next year.
“We had different fire departments, they’re very envious, and they’re turning green looking at this,” he said. “It’s been a pretty popular topic.”
But the core of the project is fire safety promotion, with a reminder for everyone to prepare a fire escape plan etched on the vehicle. Inglis said it is also important to ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working, testing them regularly.
“We can get all types of different safety messaging with it,” he said. “It was a very cost-effective way to get a message out to a large population.”
The Zamboni will be seen throughout the winter but will also make a debut at the town’s Santa Claus Candy Cane Lane walk-thru Nov. 20 at 6 p.m.
