New temporary fire stations are being installed in Cruz Bay on St. John and in Bordeaux on St. Thomas to replace the permanent fire stations destroyed by last year’s hurricanes. These temporary, trailer-based units are slated to be ready for use the first week of April.
The St. John unit is on a lot across the street from the old fire station. On St. Thomas, the new unit is located on the same property as the living quarters of the fire station.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is doing the installation.
The two temporary structures were shipped to the U.S. Virgin Islands from Jacksonville, Fla., via Puerto Rico. The trailers are designed to be operated for at least 180 days. Meanwhile, FEMA is working with VI Fire Service to assess structural damage to the fire stations and whether they can be rebuilt or should be replaced.
