Tim Olk shared this photo of a brand-new fireboat destined for the Houston Fire Department. The vessel is currently en route to Houston and made a stop in Chicago for the night.
From the Port of Houston Authority:
**World’s Most Advanced Fireboat Headed to Houston**
HOUSTON — A two-week journey through four Great Lakes and the Mississippi River will bring the first of three high-performance fireboats to the Port of Houston Authority. These vessels are set to replace the current fleet and will provide the most advanced firefighting capabilities in the world.
“Given that we’re the busiest port in the U.S. in terms of foreign tonnage and home to one of the largest petrochemical complexes, our firefighting team plays a critical role in protecting this national asset,†said Port Authority Executive Director Len Waterworth. “These new fireboats will significantly enhance our ability to protect lives and property along the 25-mile-long Houston Ship Channel.â€
The five-person crew includes three members from the Port of Houston Fire Department. They’ll navigate the fireboat across Lake Ontario and Lake Erie to Detroit on May 22, then proceed to Chicago via Lake Huron and Lake Michigan on May 25. From there, they’ll travel down the Cumberland and Illinois Rivers, stopping at Lockport, Ill., on May 26, before heading to St. Louis and eventually New Orleans. The final leg includes stops in Cape Girardeau, Memphis, Greenville, and Baton Rouge before arriving in Galveston, Texas, on June 1, with an expected arrival in Houston around June 1, 2013.
The crew consists of Senior Captain Glenn Hood, a 14-year veteran of the fire department, and Engine Operators Robert Lacour and Vic Vasquez, each with 10 years of experience. All are highly trained firefighters and hazardous materials responders, certified in structural, marine, HazMat, and EMT protocols. All pilots and captains hold U.S. Coast Guard licenses.
The Firestorm 70 is a state-of-the-art vessel designed for speed, maneuverability, and extended operations. It features quad diesel engines capable of reaching 45 knots—more than triple the speed of the current fleet. The boat can make quick turns and stops, making it ideal for the long stretch of the Houston Ship Channel.
Inside, the vessel functions as both a firehouse and a fireboat, with sleeping quarters, medical facilities, and advanced pumping systems. It can pump up to 17,000 gallons per minute at 130 PSI, far exceeding the capacity of older models. The boat is also equipped with a 450-foot water stream and a shore hydrant system.
Funded largely by federal grants, the new boats will replace aging vessels from 1973 and 1983. MetalCraft Marine, known for building high-performance boats for the U.S. Coast Guard and Navy, worked closely with the Port Authority to design and build the Firestorm 70. Over 20,000 hours were invested in the project, ensuring the highest level of quality and performance.
For those following the journey, updates can be found on the Port of Houston’s Facebook page or Twitter account. This fireboat represents not just a technological leap, but a commitment to safety, efficiency, and excellence in emergency response.
A new MetalCraft Marine Firestorm 70 fireboat for Houston stops in Chicago. Tim Olk photo
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