Fort-Coulonge Fire Department secures new air compressor

Fort-Coulonge Fire Department secures new air compressor

The Fort-Coulonge Fire Department will now be able to refill their own air tanks thanks to the recent purchase and installation of a new air compressor.

Fire Chief Gaetan Fortin explained that their old compressor gave out around five years ago, and with a price tag of a little over $50,000 it took time to secure the funding for a new one from the municipality. He explained that they were travelling to Shawville to refill their bottles in the mean time, a time consuming task with a stockpile of more than 50 tanks. In addition to being used in practices and real fires, every bottle needs to be refilled every 90 days according to CNESST regulations.

He explained that they are one of three departments in the MRC with an air compressor set up, and they are willing to provide the service to any local department that needs it. Fortin said that their new compressor will allow them to fill newer bottles to 4,500 psi of pressure, which can nearly double the amount of use time.

Fortin said that breathing apparatuses are extremely important for protecting firefighters during a call, even if they remain on the outside of the building.