Roadtown, Tortola - Government is building the capacity of the Fire and Rescue Services Department with the recent purchase of two fire tenders valued at $555,341.

The two Ford F550 fire trucks which were designed and built by W.S. Darley & Co. will join a fleet of eight trucks and one rescue tender according to the Acting Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Mr. William W. Penn.

“Currently there are nine vehicles registered to the department. The two F550 trucks expected to be delivered in the next 12 to 13 months will replace two vehicles which have exceeded the 10 year life expectancy of such equipment,” Mr. Penn continued.

“The trucks are being built in Wisconsin, USA and will take 12-13 months due to the intricate details we asked for.  The trucks are designed with specifications to accommodate the needs of the Virgin Islands,” Mr. Penn said.

The Deputy Chief told the Department of Information and Public Relations that the purchase of these vehicles will help to bridge a significant gap in terms of efficient fire suppression. Premier Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE, signed a contract with the company on June 24.

According to the terms of the purchase agreement, the amenities of the F550 include the pump and roll capability, which will enable fire fighters depending on the type of fire to stay inside the truck to commence fire suppression.  The trucks also have the capability to squirt water 180 degrees horizontally and 90 degrees vertically from a mounted water monitor.  They also come with built in foam tanks. Foam is used to extinguish petroleum based fires.

“Having these new trucks will increase the efficiency of the department as well as give its operators the assurance that they have apparatus with the latest technology as tools to enable rescue, contain and extinguish fires.  Having these vehicles as resources will also boost our security,” Mr. Penn announced.

According to the Deputy Chief the next step for the department is to look into the purchasing of high rise fire fighting equipment. He said this investment is important as buildings are now exceeding more than four floors.  “Our goal is to be prepared to respond to any emergency in these buildings,” the Deputy Chief further stated.

In the interim the Fire and Rescue Services Department is asking businesses to ensure that their establishments are equipped with smoke detectors and fire extinguishers as well as ensure that there is an escape plan and employees are aware and know how to respond in the event of an emergency.

The Fire and Rescue Service is committed to protecting life and property from the effects of fire and all other man-made and natural accidents and disasters.