Isle of Palms seeks to add new high water vehicle to fire department fleet

ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCBD) – The Isle of Palms Fire Department is looking to add a new high water vehicle to their fleet.

The department recognizes the need for a new vehicle as officials see that flooding events are becoming increasingly common on the island. The item was brought up during a public safety committee meeting on Feb. 4.

“A high-water vehicle would fill that gap from essentially from where we can no longer safely travel in our fire apparatus to these emergencies. To the emergency themselves, be able to help evacuate people in access people that are in floodwaters,” said Brian Tuohy, deputy chief of special operations.

Officials identified multiple low-lying spots on the island that often flood. This includes 41st Avenue and Waterway Boulevard, along with properties and roads across from the Intercoastal Waterway.

The fire department has already assembled a six person team that will operate this vehicle, as they went through extensive tryouts, to be able to accomplish rescue missions. Tuohy explained that this custom vehicle would have a greater capability than the department’s fire engines.

“The vehicles that we’re looking at will go anywhere between 40 and 50 inches in water depth, up to three miles an hour of current,” Tuohy said. “So, currently our fire apparatus the max out anywhere between 12 to 18 inches so this gives us quite a bit of extra room to safely respond to these flooding events.”

At the meeting, a council member asked what other uses this vehicle brings.

“There is a possibility of that the high water team, we can potentially be classified as a type three FEMA high water rescue team. Which could also respond out of the area if needed by another community,” Tuohy said.

The request is expected to go to city council before it can be approved. Officials estimate the vehicle will take between 12 to 18 months to build, with hopes of its completion in 2026.