Prince Rupert Fire rescue celebrated the 100th anniversary of its 1925 REO Speedwagon fire truck with an open house at the Fire Museum April 6.
The now centenarian vehicle has a long and storied history.
In 1924, the truck was the third fire truck purchased by the City of Prince Rupert. It served the city for 26 years (1924-1950).
After decommissioning and being stripped of all its fire-fighting equipment, the Speedwagon, so named for its ability to reach a whopping top speed of 40 kilometres per hour, was sold to the Porcher Island community of Oona River.
The community used it as a sand and haul truck before abandoning it around 1965 to rust and decay in the salmonberry bushes alongside the main road, according to a history on the Prince Rupert Facebook page.
In 1985, a group of people from the fire department tracked the truck down in Oona River. The community donated it back to Prince Rupert and a meticulous restoration followed, including making it drivable again with a 30-35 H.P. 4-cylinder engine and three-speed transmission.
The restored vintage machine made its first appearance in the annual Seafest Parade in 1988.
The fire department served hot dogs and birthday cupcakes at the Saturday celebration.