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The Yellowknife Fire Division (YKFD) is modernizing its fleet with a shift toward high-contrast, safer color schemes. The new red-and-black vehicle design, paired with retroreflective materials that enhance nighttime visibility, accompanies the replacement of three vehicles to the Division’s emergency operations fleet: an Administrative Pickup, a Command Vehicle, and an Ambulance. Moving away from the Division’s traditional white and green, these updated units adopt a new look, strengthening public recognition, reflecting the Division’s comprehensive capabilities, and creating a strong, unified emergency presence across the community.

 Image Description (left to right): Red-and-black vehicle design on Yellowknife Fire Division’s Administrative Pickup, Ambulance, and Command Vehicle.

 

In Yellowknife’s northern environment, where visibility can shift quickly from snow and ice in winter to dust, smoke, and bright daylight in summer, clear identification is essential. Red reinforces the long-standing public association with fire and emergency response, while the red-and-black combination presents a professional and modern identity that residents can recognize quickly when assistance is needed.

 

Each vehicle supports safe and effective emergency response with upgraded high-intensity emergency lighting, updated sirens, and reflective markings. The Administrative Pickup carries specialized equipment and protective shielding for hazardous incidents. The Command Vehicle enhances on-scene coordination and operational oversight. The Ambulance features an improved screen setup for better communication among response teams, upgraded shelving and storage, and a new stretcher for patient care and transport.

 

The unified fleet design also reflects the full scope of services provided by the Yellowknife Fire Division. Firefighters are cross-trained to respond to fires, rescue operations, hazardous materials incidents, and medical emergencies. A modernized fleet supports this integrated service model and ensures crews are equipped to respond effectively to a wide range of incidents across the community.

 

Image Description: Members of the Yellowknife Fire Division pose with the updated emergency vehicles. 

 

Fire Chief Jason Arns says the new design reflects the Division’s commitment to operational readiness and public safety. “This was a deliberate decision for our Division. The new design strengthens public recognition, but more importantly, these vehicles represent a continued investment in operational readiness and firefighter safety. Our responsibility is to be prepared for every type of emergency and to ensure residents can immediately recognize when help has arrived.”

 
The updated design does not incur additional costs to taxpayers and has been incorporated into the Division’s regular fleet replacement process. Existing emergency vehicles will continue to be maintained throughout their lifespans, but will not be updated to the new color design. As future replacement vehicles are added to the fleet, the new color scheme will be applied. The City of Yellowknife remains committed to investing in modern resources that strengthen emergency response and support the Fire Division’s evolving service to the community.