The fire service’s ladder truck, the absence of which was widely questioned in the wake of a blaze on Front Street over the summer, has been repaired and put back in service after the latest hurricane to hit the island.

Michael Dunkley, the Premier, said the fire service had spoken with the truck’s manufacturer, getting a ladder truck specialist to travel to Bermuda free of charge.

The specialist “worked with local staff to complete repairs at no cost to the country”, he added.

The mechanic reported that the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service should plan to buy a new vehicle, keeping the existing truck as back-up. The existing vehicle is 18 years old, and its replacement cost is estimated at $1.3 million.

Responding to questions from Walter Roban, Shadow Minister for National Security, Mr Dunkley informed MPs that an airport vehicle, part of the airport crash firefighting fleet, was currently out of service, but would not put airport capabilities at risk. Replacement parts are on order.

Mr Dunkley also said a vehicle at the Hamilton Station had a damaged fire pump bearing, which was being ordered.