The new vehicle will benefit the community and crews in a number of ways:
- It has the latest battery powered hydraulic rescue equipment meaning crews are better equipped for responding to Road traffic incidents.
- It also has as a suite of battery powered drills, saws, and lighting.
- It has an ultra-high pressure lance (UHPL). This firefighting system can blast water through concrete and steel and means that some elements of firefighting can be conducted externally rather than having to send Firefighters inside with the fire.
- It is more manoeuvrable around congested city streets and rural roads
- The vehicle is of Clean cab’ design meaning that fire fighters’ contaminated equipment, such as clothing and breathing apparatus is stored separately and not inside the crew area where contaminants from the scene of incidents such as smoke, soot and chemicals, can have a detrimental effect on fire fighters’ health.
Fire crews at Beaulieu have a long-standing relationship with the Montagu Family and the Beaulieu Estate, and it has been tradition since 1909 to mark the arrival of a new fire appliance with a photograph on the Estate.
Station Manager Adam Glasspool said
“It was only fitting that we honour the tradition of the crew having a photograph at the Beaulieu Estate with the new appliance.
“The Light Rescue Pump is very well equipped and a considerable amount of thought and effort has gone in to making use of every inch of available space within the vehicle. It brings many benefits in terms of keeping our communities and crews safer.”
The Light Rescue Pump at Beaulieu is one of 31 identical appliances being placed into service across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight over the next two years.