Seized trucks in Norwood to go up for auction in May

NORWOOD — A dozen fire trucks will be auctioned off online soon in a sale of $2.5 million in trucks, tools and office supplies – all the contents of a shop in Norwood that used to supply tankers and rescue vehicles to municipalities across Canada.

The London, Ont. auction house Storey’s will be selling all the contents of Asphodel Fire Trucks Ltd.

The firm closed by seizure in November. It had been in business more than 20 years.

On May 15, 16 and 17, Storey’s will be auctioning off all the contents of the shop.

Auctioneer Racheal Storey said there will be 3,500 lots: that includes five used fire trucks, five new ones and a rare antique hot rod fire truck from 1931 (still in working order).

Storey said she’s heard from municipal staff in the Northwest Territories, British Columbia and Newfoundland who may bid on the new and used fire trucks.

A government spokesperson from Newfoundland and Labrador told The Examiner in January that four fire trucks still in the garage at Asphodel Fire Trucks Ltd. were destined for her province, when the firm closed.

It wasn’t clear on Tuesday whether they ever received their trucks; the spokesperson from the Department of Municipal Affairs in Newfoundland and Labrador wasn’t available for comment, Tuesday.

Storey said at least one of the fire trucks was complete – it even had a municipal crest.

But it apparently wasn’t paid for, Storey said, because it’s up for auction now. If that municipality is interested, she said, officials will have to bid alongside all other prospective buyers in May.

A new fire truck can be worth at least $300,000, Storey said – and sometimes far more, depending on size and features.

Since municipalities will be likely to bid – and they need council approval to do so – she’s publicizing the online auction far in advance, she said.

There will be a chance to preview the auction items in person on April 26 (noon to 6 p.m.) and again on May 8 and 14.

There’s a preview day on the eve of the online auction, Storey said, to accommodate municipal staff that may be flying in from across the country (some will presumably drive a fire truck home, Storey said).

There will be four auctions taking place over three days, she said.

Tools and office equipment will be auctioned off during the day on May 15, with the fire trucks and the antique hot rod sold that same evening.

Firetruck parts will be sold on May 16 and the shop equipment (including forklifts and a pickup truck) will be sold on May 17.

In January, a sign in the window at Asphodel Fire Trucks Ltd. stated that the bailiff was acting on behalf of the mortgage chargee, and that the land, building and additions were seized due to default.

Jeff McNiece, the president of Asphodel Fire Trucks Ltd., did not want to comment when reached by phone in January. He’s been president of the firm since 1995.

NOTE: For exact times of the online auction, visit https:// www.storeys.ca/ upcoming-auctions