The St. George Fire Department in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has a new high water truck that has the capability to navigate through flooded streets. According to the National Weather Service, the city sees an average of 63 inches of rain annually. That's more than double the average national rate.
The department has been working to expand its high water rescue fleet for several years, after it was forced to rely on private citizens' boats for help in 2016, according to WBRZ. The truck can navigate through up to 50 inches of water.
The new unit was built by General Truck Body in Houston, Texas.
These two new boats will be used in rescue operations.
Photo: St. George Fire Department
The department also recently purchased two rescue boats and a trailer to assist in rescue operations. They were manufactured by RescueOne Connector Boats in Southside, Alabama.
The 16-foot, 6-inch connector boat has a double hull design with a 60-hp motor and several features for rescue operations. The 16-foot, 3-inch inflatable aluminum floor boat has a 25-hp motor.
The new boats increase the total to 10 for the St. George Fire Protection District.
