Kauai Fire Department holds blessing for new rescue vehicles

LIHUE (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Kauai Fire Department held a blessing Wednesday to celebrate four new specialized rescue vehicles.

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KFD added three new brush trucks and a new high water rescue vehicle to their fleet.

Firefighters lined the road in front of the Historic County Building in Lihue as KFD Chaplain Zachary Sui conducted the blessing.

“These new vehicles represent a significant step forward in our department’s readiness and our ability to protect the people of Kauai in some of the most challenging emergency conditions we face,” said KFD Chief Michael Gibson.

A brush truck is an all-terrain vehicle designed to navigate through grass, brush, and forest fires.

Unlike traditional fire engines, brush trucks are built on heavy-duty frames, which makes it easier to get through steep, rugged terrain in remote areas.

“Our brush trucks are essential as we continue to strengthen our wildfire response readiness and our ability to access remote and rugged areas safely,” Gibson said.

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A high water rescue vehicle has raised air intakes, waterproof engine components, and tall ground clearance to help first responders reach victims in heavily inundated areas during flood events.

“We have already seen put this equipment to use during recent Kona Low storms,” Gibson said. “These capabilities translate directly into safer outcomes for our crews and for the community members who depend on us during emergencies.”

The three new brush trucks were purchased for about $554,000, to replace aging units.

The replacement trucks will give KFD crews safer access to off-road and wildland environments during emergencies.

The high water rescue vehicle was purchased for over $140,000, and will be critical in the case of severe rainfall, like the 2018 Hanalei floods.

The high water rescue vehicle has already been put to the test.

Crews were able to reach 18 to 19 stranded kayakers in Wailua, where traditional fire engines would have had limited access.

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