Drayton Kinsmen donate $30,000 UTV to Mapleton Fire Rescue
Utility terrain vehicle will help firefighters access hard-to-reach emergencies
MAPLETON – Mapleton Fire Rescue will be more able to reach more remote emergencies thanks to the generosity of the local Kinsmen club.
The Kinsmen Club of Drayton donated a $30,000 four-door utility terrain vehicle (UTV) to the department for off-road rescues and fires.
Fire Chief Chris Harrow brought the UTV to council on April 28.
He said the Kinsmen offered to donate the vehicle last year and purchasing it has been part of the department’s long-term plans.
“We are seeing more and more off-road type activities, which is leading to more incidents," stated Harrow's report.
“These incidents are hard to access with our larger apparatus. Just this winter we had a snowmobile accident which was difficult to access.
“Now, having use of the UTV will make our responses more efficient and safe.”
The four-seat UTV will bring firefighters and equipment to hard-to-access locations, including during winter.
“Staff are also hoping to have the capability for some water and a small pump on board to help with grass fires, which are becoming more frequent,” the report states.
It calls continued support from local service clubs including the Kinsmen “unbelievable.
“The financial donation for us helps make other projects a reality more quickly. Staff cannot express enough gratitude for their support and helping us protect the community.”
The 2027 capital budget will include an undetermined amount of funding for lights, logos and additional features for the UTV.
Mayor Gregg Davidson and councillor Michael Martin expressed appreciation for the donation.
“I’m sure the fire department is going to find great use for this – probably even more than they anticipate already,” said Martin.
