San Diego lifeguards’ Triton fire boat assists in Oceanside Pier blaze

Kasia Gregorczyk
·1 min read
1

UPDATE: ‘Accidental causes’ likely in Oceanside Pier fire: officials

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) – San Diego lifeguards’ newest fire boat was instrumental in the historic firefight at the Oceanside Pier Thursday.

“It’s pretty unique to San Diego County, there is not another vessel that is like this,” said Sgt. Mike Cranston.

San Diego lifeguards’ Triton fire boat joined the lineup just about two years ago, but was truly put to the test Thursday alongside several other agencies.

“It’s really nice to see this vessel, this grant-provided vessel showcased in such a regional emergency like this one,” said San Diego Lifeguard Chief James Gartland.

Could the Oceanside Pier collapse due to fire?

Up until now it’s aided mostly in boat fires, but the Triton has some of the latest technology in fighting maritime fire incidents. It has three “monitors” or points on the boat where water can be dispensed all at once, using water from the ocean.

Gartland explained two of the monitors can pump 1,500 gallons a minute and the roof monitor can pump 2,500 gallons a minute.

The Triton returned to San Diego Friday after several crews had rotated out during the boat’s longest fire fight to date and perhaps the longest it will see for some time.

“We have not run that vessel for 20 hours before and fought a fire like that I mean it was just incredible. I’m very proud of the lifeguard firefighters and the work that everybody did out there,” Gartland said.

San Diego lifeguards say they are looking to add a second boat, similar to the Triton in the next couple years to keep updating the fleet.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.