ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – St. Johns County Fire Rescue is expanding its fleet with the approval of three new brush trucks and high-water vehicles.
The additions were approved last week and are expected to enhance the department’s ability to respond to wildfires and other emergencies.
Fire Chief Sean McGee addressed the county commission last week, emphasizing the growing challenges posed by wildfires, particularly in places like California, while easing concerns for people living in St. Johns County.
“I know there is some concern, especially in California with fire hydrants and water supply issues, here in the county all of our hydrants are provided water by the utility department,” said Chief Sean McGee.
He discussed how St. Johns County can improve its fire response capabilities with both its current vehicles and the newly approved equipment.
Chris Naff with St. Johns County Fire said the three new trucks add versatility.
“They’re going to have a skid unit that we can actually take out,” Naff explains. “Then there’s seats that fold down. When we have hurricanes, [and] high water stuff, we need to get people out. We can load four, five, six people up in [the truck], drive them out to a dry spot, and then go back in and get more people.”
He continued. “They’re dual purpose. So we can put a skid unit in. [Get] a brush unit, go into the woods, go up and down all the hills, going behind houses,” he said.
Currently, the department has two wildland and urban interface vehicles, two F-550 trucks, and two heavy-duty military-grade vehicles on loan from the Florida Forest Service. Those loaned vehicles are set to be replaced within the next two years.
With the addition of three new brush trucks, expected to arrive within 18 months, the department is strengthening its ability to protect both urban and rural areas from fire threats.
Meanwhile, the county is gearing up for wildfire season. The months between February and April are generally dry. Firefighters ask that people take precautions like clearing debris and cleaning gutters to eliminate fuel.
You can find an in-depth look at other ways to make your home safer and the job easier for firefighters by clicking on this link to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services web page.
Naff provided some tips as well.
“Making sure your house and your area around your house is defensible,” Naff said. “So usually a 100-foot buffer around your house, between the woods and any kind of flammable part of your house, which could be shrubs, and clean your gutters out.”