A BLAZE that burned up a vehicle used by a first responder group has knocked out emergency service in the Nass Valley.
The Gitxatin Fire and Rescue First Responders, part of the Laxgalts'ap Village Government, announced it was unable to provide services to the valley April 8.
“We notified all our partners that we can't provide the services to them and to appeal to the public and now we're the ones in need,” said Gloria Murdock-Smith, CEO of Laxgalts'ap Village Government.
The vehicle, which was the only one in the Nass, had left New Aiyansh medical centre after dropping off a patient and was about 15 km outside of Greenville on its return to the health centre there, when it began to make mechanical noises, followed by smoke at about 9:15 a.m. April 4, said Const. Erik Rettmer of Lisims/Nass Valley RCMP.
“When the attendants (paramedics) exited, the vehicle burst into flames,” said Rettmer, adding that the blaze couldn't be put out so the vehicle burned to the ground.
It's not known what caused a fire to ignite but the vehicle was an older one, said Rettmer.
The vehicle was towed away but police won't do any mechanical inspection on it as there was no criminal activity related to its burning, added Rettmer.
And along with the vehicle, about $20,000 of equipment burned up, which now needs to be replaced.
Murdock-Smith said the village is waiting to see what ICBC says and hopefully, the village will get the insurance money from the vehicle fire so it can purchase another unit.