The Cape Coral Fire Department said its fireboat is essential for fighting fires in Southwest Florida.
"In the past, we've used our boats for water supply services, almost like a virtual fire hydrant that sits along the water,” said Jason Spinner with the Cape Coral Fire Department.
One of the most recent uses for the boat was the fire at The Boathouse Tiki Bar and Grill last week.
"This is the side of the building that we wouldn't be able to access on foot or with hand lines. So, this boat was really valuable for this component of the fire attack,” said Spinner.
With the back of the restaurant on the water, a firetruck has no way of getting over there, which is why the boat is key.
"It was using the water that we're on, putting it through its fire pump, and we were applying streams to the side of the building,” said Spinner.
An essential tool that protects a city surrounded by water.
"In Cape Coral, we're presented with some unique challenges with the number of canals that we have and then the way the city was made,” said Spinner.