Jamaica Fire Brigade Gets New Trucks Valued $133M

The Jamaica Fire Brigade’s (JFB) fleet of vehicles has been boosted with the addition of three new trucks, valued $133 million.

The units, which are designed to traverse the local terrain, are also capable of pumping water while being driven, and are the first such units that will be used in Jamaica.

They are also able to discharge water at a rate of over 700 grams per minute, are built with air-conditioned cabins, and equipped breathing apparatus.

Additionally, each truck is also equipped with a front monitor that has a 150-foot visual range, which should enable fire fighters to work more efficiently in carrying out their duties.

The units will be deployed fire stations in St. Andrew; Portmore, St. Catherine; and May Pen, Clarendon.

The vehicles were symbolically handed over to JFB Acting Commissioner, Errol Mowatt, by Local Government and Community Development Minister, Hon. Noel Arscott, and State Minister Hon. Colin Fagan, during a brief presentation ceremony at the Portmore Fire Station in Braeton, St. Catherine, on July 18.

In his remarks, Mr. Arscott said despite Jamaica’s current economic challenges, the Government remains committed to upgrading the country’s fire service, adding that “these three pieces of equipment are a testament to (that).”

He said priority will also be given to repairing the island’s sole fire boat, in order to have it back in operation as quickly as possible, while disclosing that an additional number of similar vessels are to be acquired.

Mr. Arscott also announced that the government is slated to purchase one new ambulance for the fire service this year. Furthermore, two additional two ambulances are being provided by the Japanese Government, and are expected in the island shortly. Additionally, he said two units which the JFB currently has, are slated to be repaired.

“These will bolster the fleet of (the) pilot emergency medical services and will get (the number) back to the complement of six,” the Minister said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Fagan said the fire trucks are the first set of new units to be acquired since 2006, when 46 were purchased.

“The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development has now taken another step to protecting lives and property from the ravages of fire by acquiring these three fire trucks,” he stated, while urging the JFB’s leadership to ensure the units are properly maintained.

Acting JFB Commissioner, Errol Mowatt, urged the firefighters to recognize the importance and significance of the acquisitions in enhancing the agency’s mandate to protect lives and save property.