VIDEO: Hurricane Ian caused millions of dollars in damage to the Fort Myers Beach Fire Department’s emergency vehicles and buildings, both on and off the island.
In total, one fire truck, one ambulance and an alternative response vehicle were destroyed when Hurricane Ian’s storm surge busted into a firehouse that is now condemned.
The emergency vehicles were being stowed away at Station #31, at the corner of Estero Boulevard and Donora Boulevard.
Fort Myers Beach Fire Chief Ron Martin told NBC2 that there was at least five feet of water inside the vehicle bays, rendering the life-saving vehicles useless.
“We are the stewards of preparedness,” said Chief Martin. “You cannot prepare for an event like Ian.”
The emergency vehicles weren’t forgotten about or left behind. It’s the plan to leave more than $1 million worth of gear on the island during a hurricane.