**** HRFE Release
Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency unveils new fire rescue boat
To better support Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency’s (HRFE) fire and rescue capabilities, the municipality is launching a new harbour fire rescue boat. The ‘Kjipuktuk (Halifax)’ is scheduled to arrive on Thursday, June 17.
The new fire rescue boat will have enhanced features, including 24/7, year-round firefighting and rescue capabilities, towing capacity and the ability to deliver more than 3,000 gallons of water per minute. The addition of this boat supports the mission of HRFE to provide firefighting and rescue services in the Halifax Harbour, and to nearby islands, shores, marinas and buildings near the shoreline.
‘Kjipuktuk (Halifax)’ is replacing the existing rigid hull inflatable boat, which had reached end of life and had limited firefighting capabilities.
The name of the boat was selected by HRFE staff via an internal survey after consulting with the Office of Diversity & Inclusion and Indigenous advisors. Kjipuktuk was the name the first Mi’kmaw peoples used to describe the harbour and area that would later become known as Halifax. The call sign for the boat will be Fire Boat 1.
The boat will be permanently docked at Alderney Landing and will be operated by staff from Station #13 (King Street), with support from Station #15 (Woodside). The boat is anticipated to have initial operating capability by the end of July and be in full operation by the end of August, once training is complete.
