Category: FIRE

Fire (General)

PN05 EHH Greater Manchester Fire Rescue Service Volvo / Saxon

PN05 EHH
Greater Manchester Fire Rescue Service
Volvo / Saxon
Based at Rochdale, this ex-front line appliance has now been converted into a community unit. It carries pride branding and now has doors that open at the rear allowing access to a raised platform for use during processions.

Classic Fire

GNB 217 Manchester Fire Brigade Dennis Big 6

GNB 217
Manchester Fire Brigade
Dennis Big 6
A 1940 Dennis pump escape seen at Fireground Fire Museum in Rochdale. Driven by museum curator Bob Bonner who is getting a good workout trying to manoeuvre the vehicle in the car park

Fire (General)

EY70 YXR London Fire Brigade Scania L360 / Emergency One

EY70 YXR
London Fire Brigade
Scania L360 / Emergency One
Based at Soho and fitted with a Magruis Turntable Ladder. New in November 2021, London’s fire brigade unveiled the UK’s tallest aerial ladder, standing at 64 meters. Following the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, plans were made to upgrade the fleet, resulting in the addition of three extended height ladder appliances. These ladders, strategically located across London, serve as water, rescue, and observational towers, enhancing the response to high-rise fires. The acquisition was made possible by both the Brigade’s budget and a generous £2.5 million donation from the Freemasons of London. Firefighters operating these new ladders have undergone specialised training, ensuring their ability to navigate London’s narrow streets safely. Advanced technology within the ladders also ensures operational safety, including alerts for adverse weather conditions.

Fire In Action

Windermere Fire Exercise

We had the pleasure of being invited to watch some of Cumbria’s retained firefighters training in April 2023. The fire call was to Oldfield Road Garage Ltd who had kindly allowed the service to practice there. After the trainers set up using Windermere’s Land Rover PX57 ETK, the first vehicle to arrive was Windermere’s pump NJ71 FPF, after travelling on blue lights for less than a minute from the fire station on the next street.

The trainers had used smoke bombs to replicate a burning building with casualties played by manikins. Breathing apparatus was quickly donned and hose reels extended. The road was coned off to allow a safe space to work.

Meanwhile a number of other retained crews from neighbouring stations began arriving in their appliances. Staveley (PY68 RHE) and Ambleside (PX11 AFF) attended along with a watch manager (PX16 MHO).

The scene was complicated by it being on a narrow residential road and because of the temporary traffic lights at one end. Fire appliances blocked the road causing motorists to take alternative routes.

Positive pressure ventilation fans were used to help clear the smoke filled building and all casualties were rescued.