A strategic decision by the Fort Myers Beach Fire Department cost it a firehouse, an ambulance, a fire truck and a response vehicle during Hurricane Ian.
With the storm bearing down, the city’s emergency preparedness plans called for leaving the apparatus at Fire Station 31 during the hurricane. If the bridges to the beach had been destroyed or blocked by the storm, the beach would essentially have become an island and cut off from any mainland fire service.
So the department left the apparatus, which included one truck, an ambulance and an alternative response vehicle, in place to cover the beach.
The storm swept through the area, inundating the building, and destroying the apparatus at the station. The station’s office area was washed away and the apparatus submerged in five feet of water.
The damage will run to the millions of dollars, but will be covered by the city’s insurance. The fire department expects to rebuild the station.
