Three new fire appliances – including one for Newton Aycliffe – have joined County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue (CDDFRS) service’s fleet in time for Christmas.
The vehicles are currently under-going checks before being posted to Aycliffe, Seaham and High Handenhold fire stations.
Councillor John Robinson, Fire Authority member champion for assets, visited the CDDFRS training centre in Belmont, County Durham, to view the energy efficient vehicles and find out more about their design and technology.
Improvements include:
• The removal of electric generators and the provision of new battery powered cutting tools;
• Custom fitted locker layouts to accommodate new working at height equipment and improve grouping of equipment;
• High definition CCTV system on the appliances to provide fully digital images;
• Latest specification thermal imaging cameras;
• Ergonomic cab design; and
• High capacity 22 mm firefighting hose reels.
Area manager for CDDFRS, Andy Hopkinson, said: “Our operational staff have been directly involved in the specification of each vehicle.
“The procurement of the new appliances has been part of a collaboration with North and West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Services; this has allowed us to save money on procurement costs as well as pool the knowledge of three fire and rescue services to ensure the best design.”
Councillor John Robinson said: “These new appliances are part of carefully planned and budgeted for improvements to the CDDFRS fleet.
“Introducing the latest equipment bolsters the frontline and ensures that CDDFRS can continue to provide a fast, efficient response to protect communities across County Durham and Darlington.”
The three Volvo FL15 chassis were purchased by CDDFRS and the body of each fire appliance was manufactured by Emergency One in Scotland.
• Pictured (above, from left): Watch manager Neil Storey, area manager Andy Hopkinson, Councillor John Robinson and assistant district manager Chris Williams with the new fire appliances at County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service’s training centre.