By James Johnson

Last updated at 12:53, Wednesday, 17 October 2012

New high-safety technology is available to fire crews thanks to state-of-the-art appliances becoming part of the Cumbria Fire and Rescue fleet.

Councillor Gary Strong with firefighter Steve Bell

The keys were handed over yesterday to staff at Carlisle East fire station for the new Volvo-built appliance, which will boost safety for both the public and the firefighters themselves.

The new engine comes with cutting-edge equipment including a pump that can move 4,000 litres of liquid a minute and a Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) which means firefighters can use less water.

Carlisle East station manager Kevin Johnston said: “With this engine you can produce 10,000 litres of foam from 1,000 litres of water.

“There’s also a long lance which allows you to pierce a wall or ceiling and that is a big help safety-wise.”

The lance means that once it is established that a building is on fire and has no people inside, foam can be sprayed into burning rooms without the need for firefighters to enter.

The engine, which costs about £250,000, also contains gear that can blow fresh air into a building and remove smoke, as well as Holmatro Rescue Equipment, known as the ‘Jaws of Life’.

It is also the first appliance in Cumbria to have an automatic gearbox, a full-size crew cab to seat six firefighters, and 360 degree CCTV.

Councillor Gary Strong, the county council’s cabinet member for community safety and local services, handed over the keys to the new engine. A similar engine has been added to the service in Barrow.

He said: “These vehicles will really enhance our firefighting and rescue capability and make a great addition to our existing fleet.

“I’m delighted to be welcoming them into our fleets both here in Carlisle and in Barrow.”

First published at 12:39, Wednesday, 17 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk