Minn. fire departments receive grant for new rescue vessel

DULUTH, Minn. — A new fire boat will soon be riding the waters representing the Duluth and Superior Fire Departments.

The departments have received a $447,750 Port Security Grant Program to purchase the new fire boat.

“I am excited to be part of this cooperative commitment to improving emergency response in our Port that will increase employee safety and protect assets. We have a great working relationship with our Port partners and this new vessel brings us to the next level in emergency response,” Superior Fire Chief Steve Panger told the Northland News Center website.

The new 31-10.5-foot quick response vessel will enhance emergency response by providing additional fire suppression, environmental response, search and rescue, medevac, and emergency medical capabilities to the region. The new vessel will provide a safe marine platform for emergency response personnel.

The new vessel will be built with the following features:

• High speed capable
• Twin 300 HP outboard propulsion
• Thermal imaging night vision camera
• Side scan sonar for underwater search
• Enhanced radar and GPS navigation
• Capacity to transport eight personnel
• Independent driven fire pump capable of 2000 gallons per minute
• Roof mounted 1500 gallons per minute monitor
• Shallow draft for increased accessibility
• Firefighting foam injection system
• Large diameter water discharge to support land based fire suppression operations

The Duluth Fire Department responds to marine emergencies with a 12-foot inflatable boat and two water rescue surf boards. The Superior Fire Department responds to emergencies with a 22-foot vessel that has limited capabilities and does not meet the current needs of the port.

Currently, neither department is sufficiently equipped to respond to complex problems that arise in the Port area, officials say.

The Fire Departments hope to welcome the delivery of the vessel by spring of 2017.