NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – The North Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue put its newest piece of equipment in service less than a week ago, and firefighters said it’s making a difference in how quickly they can respond to people.
The department put a six-wheel drive multi-rescue vehicle at the Cherry Grove fire station last year, and now they have another one in service at the Windy Hill fire station. Lt. Mike Huber with the North Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue said previously, they were lacking in the ability to transport people off the beach because they would have to wait for their only vehicle to become available. “Having two allows us to split the city in half,” said Lt. Huber.
He said adding a second rescue truck also allows them to respond quicker because they don’t have to wait on beach patrol. “There’s a limited number of officers covering the entire beachfront, and a lot of times they may not be immediately available, or they may be at the opposite end of the city,” said Lt. Huber. He said they also have the capability to rescue and transport people after hours when beach patrol may not be working.
The 6×6 rescue trucks were customized by the fire rescue and they cost about $40,000 each. They are small enough to get on the beach and drive directly to a dunes fire or a person needing medical attention, according to Lt. Huber. “Once we’re able to get right up to them, it helps us get them off the beach that much faster,” said Lt. Huber. “Seconds and minutes really do count when you’re trying to get someone to the hospital.”
The trucks can hold at least 100 gallons of water and they have enough room to lay someone out on the back if needed. The fire rescue is looking to get a third, bigger rescue vehicle to support the two they currently have. Lt. Huber said it has been requested in the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, though it has not yet been approved.
