Location of vehicles

An HVP set comprises a prime mover hooklift carrying vehicle, a pump module with a hydrosub, submersible pump and 1 kilometre of 150mm diameter hose and a hose module carrying a further 2 kilometres of the same hose. Both these modules carry a range of adapters, valves and ramps which can be used to configure a number of differing water supply or water removal scenarios.

HFRS have both modules mounted on prime movers and have positioned the pump module at Hardley Fire Station and the hose module at Hythe Fire Station. In addition personnel from Ringwood Fire Station have been trained to support HVP operations and will soon take delivery of a prime mover which will carry the national spare hosebox load. All of these stations work the retained duty system and were selected because:

• The crews on these stations were enthusiastic to take on the role.
• These stations are well staffed and can guarantee sufficient personnel to support HVP operations even in busy periods.
• These stations cover the greatest concentration of COMAH sites in the County and the plans for many of these benefit from the HVP capability being available for emergency water supplies should the primary supply fail or prove inadequate or pumping water run-off to protect the environment.  
• Many of the personnel work as plant operators in these local industries and have a working knowledge of pumping systems etc.
• There are excellent training opportunities locally where the HVP can be operated in order to maintain the competence of the operators.
• There was available garaging space at these stations for the vehicles.

Training

The crews on all these stations are now trained to operate all aspects of the HVP system and they get additional training time allocated each month to maintain their skills. There are trained HVP instructors on station to maintain and assess operator competence with the equipment and vehicles.

Many exercises have been completed and there has been a comprehensive schedule of familiarisation training for officers and non HVP fire stations.

HFRS are committed to progress HVPs within the South East region and have worked closely with crews from Surrey, East Sussex, Kent and the Isle of Wight. Dorset, who are part of the South West region are also closely involved with the majority of exercises due to their geographical proximity.

Hampshire have hosted an advanced HVP operators course attended by a number of FRSs within the South East region this course will be repeated later this year (2009) and there is an intention to open it to a national audience.

Mobilising

Mobilising protocols are in place and risks have been identified where the HVP will be part of the pre-determined attendance or PDA.

The capacity, reliability, speed of deployment and efficient use of personnel and appliances means that this capability effectively replaces the need for complex multi pump hose water relays.

HVP Facts

• 46 High Volume Pumping sets are strategically placed across the Country (England).
• The pumps were introduced by the Government under the New Dimensions initiative and can be deployed to any area of the Country upon request.
• Since 9/11 (2001) the Government has invested heavily in the Fire and Rescue Service to ensure it has enhanced capability to deal with major incidents, spending over £200million to equip the Fire and Rescue Services across England with a wide ranging package of specialist equipment and facilities which includes High Volume Pumps (HVPs).
• HVPs are able to provide water for firefighting at a rate of 7,000 litres of water per minute or remove water from a flooded area at the same rate.
• An Olympic size swimming pool could be emptied by a pair of HVP’s in 3 hours compared to just over 9 hours with standard equipment.
• A road tanker containing 28,000 litres (roughly 6,200 gallons) could be emptied by a single HVP in 4 minutes.