Towns never did get their fire trucks

Four fire trucks ordered for towns in Newfoundland and Labrador weren’t delivered before Asphodel Fire Trucks Ltd. closed by seizure in November, a government official said.

Lynn Robinson, a spokesperson for the department of municipal affairs and environment in Newfoundland and Labrador, wrote in an email to The Examiner that the Norwood firm has advised that it’s closed and the trucks aren’t coming.

That leaves the towns free to go looking for a new supplier, Robinson wrote.

In the meantime, she added, the provincial government is ensuring the communities have “suitable fire protection vehicles”.

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 Asphodel Fire Trucks, accumulated over 20 years in business.

On May 15, 16 and 17, the auction house Storey’s of London, Ont. will be conducting the sale — all online.

Auctioneer Racheal Storey said in an interview earlier this week 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 fire trucks.

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).

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 had been seized.