13th June 2008
New high-tech fire engine goes on the run
A new fire engine featuring the latest line in firefighting and safety equipment including CCTV, special foam and fan systems, is due to start operation in Medway.
The appliance is the first of its kind for Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) because it has a main pump that can provide Compressed Air Foam (CAFs) and carries a Positive Pressure Ventilation fan (PPV), both of which will greatly enhance crew safety. It also has CCTV cameras to combat anti-social behaviour and record incidents at fire-grounds.
Costing around £192,000, it replaces an older appliance at Medway and, after undergoing several weeks of training, firefighters will start using it on Wednesday 18 June.
KFRS Assistant Director of Operations Steve Demetriou said: “This vehicle is the first in a full programme of service fleet improvements which will ensure that our firefighters can continue to provide a first class service to the public. KFRS is committed to continuously improving firefighting vehicles and equipment and significant funding is being provided to this programme.”
Over the last year, KFRS reported 14 incidents of verbal or physical abuse* against its crews and although that number is relatively low – particularly compared to other fire and rescue services – it is hoped the CCTV will further deter anti-social behaviour.
Steve added: “We will not tolerate any abuse against our crews as they carry out often life-saving work. The new appliance in Medway is a pilot project which may be repeated throughout the county if it proves successful but the Kent and Medway communities are largely supportive of our role and I hope the cameras will be used more for training purposes and recording how we tackle fires, than for collecting evidence of violent or abusive behaviour.”
As well as improving crew safety, the CAF and PPV systems minimise the environmental impact of fire fighting. Traditionally, firefighters use large quantities of water to extinguish fires sometimes with adverse affects, which include the impact it can have on water supplies. It also creates steam which can cause scolding type injuries to firefighters and can cause more damage to property, while the contaminated water “run off” from fires has the potential to enter water courses, with the potential to cause further damage to the environment.
With the new CAF system, fire crews are able to mix very small amounts of foam with compressed air and water to make a large quantity of wet or dry foam to fight fires. When used, the foam sticks to the material that is on fire, greatly reducing the possibility of “run off” from entering water courses. It also has less surface tension than water so is quickly absorbed, suppressing and cooling fires faster than traditional techniques.
The PPV fans are used to increase pressure inside fire hit buildings which subsequently drive out heat, smoke, gases and other products of combustion. The fan provides a flow of cool, fresh air, making it much safer for firefighters who may have to enter a building to tackle the fire within or rescue people trapped inside.
Medway Station Manager Jim Ramsden said: “Medway’s fire crews will benefit in several ways from the investment in such equipment. Firefighting with foam is more efficient and environmentally friendly. We will also be able to minimise the damage caused by smoke and fumes by using PPV fans.”
‘’With the addition of CCTV on the appliance, it will mean our firefighters are leading the way with new technology that will not only further protect the community, but also KFRS staff. ”
Note to editors: Journalists and photographers are invited to come and see the new appliance and equipment on Wednesday 18 June at 2.30pm at Medway Fire Station in Watling Street, Gillingham.
There will also be an opportunity to interview Assistant Director Steve Demetriou, Station Manager Jim Ramsden and some of the firefighters who will be operating the new engine.
Please confirm your attendance by contacting the press office on (01622) 692121.
*Figures relate from 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008.
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