Donated ATV
provides access to remote fires and rescues
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The ATV season officially opened along a number of routes last weekend, but the Presque Isle Fire Department has been equipped to handle emergencies along area trails since mid-April, thanks to the generosity of a Presque Isle business’ donation of a 2012 Cam-Am Commander XT side-by-side for use this year.
ACCESS TO FIRES AND RESCUES in remote areas will be easier this year, thanks to the loan of a Can-Am Commander side-by-side ATV to the Presque Isle Fire Department from The Sled Shop in Presque Isle. 
Pictured in the machine are, from left: Kevin Freeman, owner of The Sled Shop; and Grant Spinney, firefighter with the PIFD.
“Kevin Freeman, owner of The Sled Shop, has provided us with a two-seat ATV for use in emergency situations. We’ve equipped it with a 35-gallon tank for use on grass fires,” said Grant Spinney, a firefighter with the Presque Isle Fire Department.
Spinney said to transport the vehicle, the roof will be taken off the snowmobile trailer.
“We’ll keep the ATV mounted for the summer. It will primarily be used for rescue and during grass fire season,” he said.
The tank on back will allow firefighters to use the ATV in hard-to-reach spots at structure fires as well.
“We can park it near water sources and use it as a pump. It averages 120 gallons per minute. We can also use it as a water supply system in remote areas,” said Spinney.
When rescues are necessary in hard-to-access locations, the department will now be able to use the ATV.
“Our toboggan has wheels and can be attached to the hitch on the Can-Am,” he said.
“BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products, maker of the Can-Am) and the Sled Shop have made available, on loan to the fire department, an off-road vehicle for rescue and fire prevention,” said Freeman.
Freeman said the Commander 1,000 is a cross between a sport and utility machine.
“It will easily handle up to a ton in weight. Its ground clearance will allow you to go just about anywhere off road. Being a side-by-side, it allows a couple firefighters to go quickly anywhere they’re needed. It also comes with the standard roll cage and three-point harness and side safety netting — all measures that contribute to the safety of the vehicle,” said Freeman.
Freeman credited the company’s support for making the use of the machine possible to the local fire department.
“Without the Bombardier Recreational Program, this wouldn’t be possible. Can-Am makes the program available through our dealership,” Freeman said.
Spinney said firefighters don’t just handle structure fires on main roads, often they are needed to assist the Maine Forest Service for grass fires and wooded areas.
“There’s definitely a need to get away from highways, particularly for grass fires. We’ve covered several already this year,” said Spinney.
“The Can-Am is well-equipped to handle that,” said Freeman.
Spinney said the ATV’s tank will come in handy to supplement the water supply when fires occur.
In addition to The Sled Shop, Spinney wished to thank CNL Auto for donating the labor to install the lighting and Tiny & Merriam Signs for donating the lettering.
The ATV will be used by the PIFD through November, when area trails typically close for the year.
