New
fire engine
piloted in Hampshire
A state-of-the-art vehicle is being piloted
on the streets of Hampshire.
The Intermediate Capability (IC) vehicle
is equipped with cutting-edge ultra-high
pressure lances (UHPL) and the latest
rescue gear.
It is also slightly smaller than traditional
engines making it easier to manoeuvre on
busy city roads.
The pilot IC is based at St Mary’s Fire
Station, in Southampton, and has already
been used in incidents from fires and traffic
collisions to automatic fire alarms and
hazardous material call outs.
There will soon be more prototypes around
Hampshire; at Southsea, Rushmoor,
Basingstoke and Whitchurch.
The pilot vehicle is being shaped
by firefighters on the frontline who
are scrutinising every aspect of its
performance.
If successful, after feedback and
suggestions from crews, the engine may
be rolled out across the county during
2017.
The IC vehicle is part of a strategy that runs
alongside the pioneering SAVE approach that
could shape the future of modern firefighting
and was devised by Hampshire Fire and Rescue
Service.
The Scan, Attack, Ventilate, Enter pneumonic
represents a strategy that will give greater
protection to firefighters through embracing
modern technology including the wall-piercing
UHPLs and thermal-imaging cameras.
This approach will be delivered by a new, more
effective, three-tier vehicle fleet ranging from
traditional-style engines to a First Response
Capability vehicle.
The IC vehicle can be crewed by between two to
five firefighters.
Deputy Chief Officer Neil Odin said: “I am
delighted that our teams across Hampshire have
worked hard in the development of a new way
of firefighting and the launch of this pilot vehicle is
focussed on bringing the very latest technology to
our firefighters, keeping them safer while delivering
a faster more effective capability.”
The early feedback from the St Mary’s firefighters
is that they are pleased with the new vehicle and
the capability it provides.
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