On most calls, firefighters deal with the colours of orange and red when battling the flames of a fire.

Now, they've added pink to the mix. In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Greater Sudbury Fire Services has added the first in-service pink fire truck to its fleet of emergency response vehicles.

The pink fire truck will operate out of the Van Horne Street Fire Hall and will respond to regular fire calls. The truck is part of the newly formed Partners in Prevention campaign running for the month of October.

“We are thrilled to launch this partnership,” said Fire Chief Danny Stack in a news release. “The Partners in Prevention campaign allows us to respond to the need for cancer awareness. We also want to inspire people to be proactive and take the steps needed for early detection against cancer.”

Along with the pink fire truck, throughout the month of October, members of the Sudbury Professional Fire Fighters Association (SPFFA) will be volunteering their time to those in need of transportation to and from appointments with the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP).

Pink T-shirts will also be available for purchase during Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 9-13) at New Sudbury Centre, with proceeds going to Northern Cancer Foundation.

“No one in Greater Sudbury is immune to cancer,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Marianne Matichuk. Whether it’s a family member, a close friend, a co-worker or a neighbour, everybody knows someone who has battled cancer.

“I want to thank Greater Sudbury Fire Services for their leadership and dedication to helping to create awareness around the importance of breast cancer screening. This partnership is a true showcase of their commitment to this community.”

The pink fire truck was made possible by Hatch, a local company specializing in technical and strategic services to the mining, metallurgical, energy and infrastructure industries. The company, said its operations manager, “believes in this wonderful community and this great cause."

“The people who fight fires and the people who fight cancer are heroes in our eyes, so we're glad to help out in any way we can,” said Keith Joiner.

“While recruitment to breast screening has been quite effective in the North, there are still many more women who could be benefiting from regular mammography,” said Natalie Aubin, Administrative Director of the Northeast Cancer Centre.

Rides to and from appointments can be scheduled through OBSP. To book your appointment please call 1-800-661-8897 and advise you will require a ride to and from your appointment.