The Anguilla Fire and Rescue Service has added a new domestic fire truck to its fleet, increasing the number of operational fire vehicles to three.
The new truck carries 1,800 gallons of water and 50 gallons of foam, strengthening the service’s ability to respond to major fires more efficiently and effectively.
Infrastructure minister Jose Vanterpool and parliamentary secretary Cordell Richardson visited the fire station at Clayton J Lloyd International Airport on 9 June to view the truck.
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The move comes as discussions continue on the eventual splitting of Anguilla’s domestic and aerodrome fire service functions.
During a government press conference on 4 March, Vanterpool said there are “a number of reasons” behind the plans.
He linked it to the planned runway expansion and the introduction of larger aircraft, which he said creates operational challenges for fire personnel moving in and out of the aerodrome.
Vanterpool also pointed to regulatory considerations affecting security and clearance procedures.
He said the new structure would allow the “sharing of staff”, with a potential domestic outpost in The Valley area close to the fire hall to improve coordination.
“So that if you need personnel to move quickly between the domestic and the aerodrome, or if you need to share equipment for whatever reasons, that it’s easy to facilitate doing so,” he said.
While describing the change as a “strategic move”, he confirmed no funds have been budgeted this year, though discussions are underway with the fire chief and ministry officials.
This will allow them to “start putting together an idea, so that when it comes to budget season, we have a figure in mind to progress the same plans”, he said.
