Charleston Fire Department looks to buy high water vehicle

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — The fire department in Charleston is looking to join several other coastal South Carolina agencies with a high water vehicle.

The city asked for proposals to buy the vehicle that can drive through up to 4 feet (122 centimeters) of water earlier this month.

Charleston Chief Fire Marshal Mike Julazadeh said the city now has to ask the county or state to use their high water vehicles and that can cause delays in the city which is flooding more frequently.

Julazadeh told The Post and Courier while firetrucks can drive through high water, they can’t carry extra people. A high water vehicle can carry at least three firefighters and 15 people.

Other rescue agencies with high water vehicles include North Charleston, Dorchester County, Pine Ridge and Sullivans Island.