Savannah Wants to Boost Fire Protection

Savannah, Ga., city officials are considering increased fire protection along the Savannah River and on Hutchinson Island.

The Savannah Morning News reports that the City Council on Thursday approved the $1.6 million purchase of a hazard response boat for Savannah Fire and Emergency Services.

Fire department spokesman Mark Keller said a $1.2 million federal Homeland Security grant will be used to fund most of the purchase, in addition to $125,000 the Georgia Ports Authority agreed to provide.

The cost includes training for fire department staff and delivery of the 50-foot vessel.

Keller said that in addition to battling fires, the boat can be used to respond to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive incidents.

The city also is looking for a site for a fire station on Hutchinson Island.