The capacity of the St. James Fire Department to respond to a fire at sea, has been significantly boosted, with the official opening of the Montego Bay fireboat station, and the handover of a fireboat, yesterday (Dec 28).

The new fireboat station, which will house 34 firefighters, is the second such station to be constructed in Jamaica and was built at a cost of $14 m.

During yesterday’s ceremony, Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie also handed over 2 new fire trucks to the fire brigade.

The two new fire units, valued at US $1.1 m, brings to six the total number of fire trucks added to the brigade’s fleet, this year.

Mr. McKenzie said government will provide additional equipment to the Jamaica Fire Brigade in the upcoming 2019 – 2020 financial year.

This includes fireboats for St. Ann and Portland, as well as 10 additional fire trucks.

He further noted that the brigade will also receive an additional 600 bunker gear.