Yellowknife (Sep 08/04) - An expensive new fire engine, featuring a state-of-the-art foam fire suppressant, will wind up saving Yellowknifers a bundle in the long run, say officials at the Yellowknife Fire Department.

Engine No.8 served its first call to duty Aug. 27, and by the fire department's account, it was a smashing success.

"A fire that typically we would've used about 400 gallons of water on, a total of 53 gallons of water was used because of the foam concentration and the air," said deputy fire chief Darcy Hernblad, talking about the fire in Northland Trailer Park.

"The property damage was really minimal because of this new technology."

Unlike older fire engines that use straight water to fight fires, Engine No.8 comes with what is called a Compressed Air Foam system -- which is basically made up of a soap-like substance mixed with air and water.

The foam also cools down a blaze on contact -- a potentially lifesaving addition.

The hose lines are also much lighter and easier to control.

The deputy fire chief said most communities across the country are starting to switch to foam.

The fire engine cost $750,000. The foam doesn't come cheap -- about $100 per 20 litre pail -- but Hernblad said it's worth it.

"It'll show in what we save in property," he said.

City Councillor Alan Woytuik said the main consideration for him when he approved the purchase last year was more its ladder than its foam.

"We only had one ladder truck before and that one was having engine problems and was down for three months," said Alan Woytuik.