St. Petersburg increases rescue fleet size to four times its original capacity to manage flooding emergencies.

In response to the increasing flooding challenges posed by recent storms, St. Petersburg Fire Rescue is set to expand its high-water vehicle fleet from one to four. This upgrade follows a series of significant storms, notably Hurricane Helene, which highlighted the urgent need for better emergency response capabilities in the city.

During a recent City Council meeting, Council member Lisset Hanewicz emphasized the importance of this development. Her awareness of the Fire Rescue’s struggles emerged after a visit to Station No. 4 in Shore Acres, one of the city’s most flood-prone areas. After witnessing the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which caused extensive flooding, Hanewicz recognized that the agency was hampered by reliance on borrowed and ill-suited vehicles to rescue residents trapped in floodwaters.

Fire Rescue personnel echoed this sentiment, with Division Chief Brett Ciskoski indicating that the lack of suitable high-water vehicles significantly hindered rescue efforts during the storm. The department found itself using borrowed trucks that were not equipped for such challenges. The addition of three remanufactured military vehicles, acquired for 0,500 from Memphis Equipment Co., will greatly enhance the department’s capacity to respond to flooding events. These vehicles can traverse water depths of 30 to 42 inches, providing critical support during emergencies.

The current high-water vehicle has been in service for over a decade, and its aging condition necessitated frequent maintenance. The impending arrival of the new vehicles promises to alleviate some of the strain on resources. Ciskoski noted that two of the purchased vehicles will also feature pumps capable of fighting fires, addressing the challenge posed when floodwaters obstruct regular fire engines from reaching emergencies.

Significantly, the potential impact of flooding is not confined to specific neighborhoods. Ciskoski pointed out that recent storms have affected areas throughout St. Petersburg, further amplifying the need for an adequate emergency response. The strategic placement of the new high-water vehicles will ensure that all parts of the city are better equipped to handle flooding incidents.

Historically, as demonstrated during Hurricane Irma in 2017, Fire Rescue had to conduct multiple non-emergency evacuations, while a more recent rescue operation during Hurricane Idalia saw the agency rescue over 75 individuals and 18 pets in just three hours. The increasing frequency of severe weather events highlights the necessity for a robust response infrastructure.

As St. Petersburg continues to grow and face unpredictable weather patterns, discussions on future needs are paramount. Council members, including Brandi Gabbard, raised concerns regarding the adequacy of resources going forward, while Ciskoski assured that the department would continue to assess its needs to ensure effective service delivery.

Council member Corey Givens Jr. acknowledged the importance of this initiative for equitable emergency services, expressing gratitude to first responders for their vital work in protecting the community. With flooding posing a persistent risk, the enhancement of St. Petersburg’s emergency response capabilities marks a significant step toward safeguarding residents against future disasters.

For further updates on City Council initiatives and emergency preparedness efforts, residents can follow local news outlets and city announcements.