CNMI lacks fire protection facilities

The Department of Public Safety is asking the Legislature to approve its proposed Fiscal Year 2002 appropriations of $14.6 million to expedite major improvements in several police programs.

DPS Commissioner Charlie S. Ingram disclosed that one of the critical areas that need serious consideration is the Firefighting division which lacks equipment and other materials to aid them during fire incidents.

He said there is a need also to set up fire hydrants in several areas on Saipan where firemen can hook up and prevent fire from spreading to adjacent areas and residential houses.

Public Safety officials admit to a need for additional fire protection facilities amid expanding population growth, while the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation previously disclosed that a big number of business establishments and households in the CNMI fail to comply with the US Electric Code, making them fire hazards.

At present, Saipan is served by four fire protection facilities with the main station located in Susupe. Other fire terminals are in Garapan, Koblerville, and Capitol Hill. Less than a hundred firefighters man all four stations.

On the other hand, Tinian’s lone fire station is manned by three firefighters while Rota has six fireguards. Although all 91 personnel are provided appropriate fire-fighting gear, DPS officials say the CNMI fire division is currently burdened with old and unserviceable equipment.

A study performed under a grant from the US Department of the Interior disclosed that all three sub-stations on Saipan need to be extended as the amount of personnel and fire fighting apparatus have exceeded the building’s capacity.

“Unless it is assumed that the population decreases significantly, it can be assumed that they will not be capable of meeting future needs without specific funding for such,” the report stated.

At the same time, DPS estimates that it needs 56 patrol vehicles on Saipan, and eight each on Tinian and Rota to meet minimum operational needs. Saipan also currently needs 10 motorcycles for traffic enforcement and at least 20 unmarked police cars to support investigative needs.

At the same time, Mr. Ingram said the department has to procure two heavy capacity tanker which can hold hundreds of volume of water sufficient enough to contain a blaze.

Mr. Ingram cited the recent Koblerville fire incident where firemen were compelled to bring in tanks of water taken from several locations because of the absence of fire hydrants.

He said that if not for the immediate response and assistance rendered by Commonwealth Ports Authority’s firefighting unit and airport police, the blaze would not have been contained immediately.

“There is a need for these equipment, not only for Saipan but CNMI-wide. The lack of equipment affects the effectively of services rendered by police officers,” said the DPS commissioner.

Of the $14.6 proposed DPS budget, the department include utility charges which was proposed to be given out individually for each departments and agencies.

The FY2002 proposed appropriations is over 14 percent above the 1999 allocations of $13.41 million. Mr. Ingram said because of funding deficit in FY2000, many key programs of the DPS did not materialize.

Once the Legislature approves the proposal, DPS will immediately embark on its development and improvement programs to upgrade equipment for the Fire division including the two fire units in Kagman and San Roque villages. (EGA)