Lack of emergency response on CNMI's Tinian

2:08 pm on 6 May 2015

A lack of fire-fighting resources in the Northern Marianas has been highlighted, with the island's two main fire trucks being out of action for over six months.

A lack of fire-fighting resources in the Northern Marianas has been highlighted, with the island's two main fire trucks being out of action for over six months.

Last month, a van was engulfed by flames next to the historic bomb pit on Tinian, as fire-fighters faced delays in getting to the incident.

The service is currently running two small trucks to respond to fires.

Two replacement vehicles will cost 52,000 US dollars and the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services says it can't afford it.

The Acting Commissioner, Claudio Norita, says there is generally a lack of emergency services, and people calling 911 are only connected through to the Department of Public Safety on Saipan.