N873 XPY is a fire car from North Yorkshire; a Peugeot 306 XLD. Note that it has no markings, but a magnetic blue flashing light has been attached, giving it the same rights as any other blue-light vehicle. This may well be used by a commanding officer on route to oversee a major incident.
This is a fire demonstration trailer. Used at community events, it is the pro-active role of educating people about fire prevention.
A line-up of York’s appliances in the late 1990’s.
This is a (model) Volvo fire appliance.
An old Dennis MPT 740P and an ERF engine. Both have seen active service, but have now been sold to enthusiasts who restore them and enter them for shows.
Another older turntable ladder, which was replaced by the Bronto Skylift.
This is the rear of Victor Zero Five P183 CNL, Tyne and Wear Fire Brigade’s Operational Support Unit. It is actually a detachable fork lift truck, which can be used for moving heavy objects and dangerous containers.
Below is every firefighter’s idea of heaven, the mobile refreshments trailer. It can be towed to any major incident where firefighters will be working long hours.
A309 FRA is a Freight Rover Fire Engine used privately by Rolls Royce. The Freight Rover was a demonstrator offered to Rolls-Royce by its manufacturers to fill a stop-gap requirement to replace a Carmichael Land Rover FT5 which had been seriously damaged in an RTA. It was not a satisfactory purchase, and was not up to the job required of it. Within weeks of use, the exhaust pipe from the pump set fire to the rear of the appliance!
A regular Scania turntable ladder.
Tyne and Wear’s Victor Zero Five, with it’s tarpaulin sides and fork lift truck on the back.
This is a detailed view of the inside of Tango Zero Six, Tyne and Wear’s Salvage Tender. Basically these vehicles carry a whole manner of equipment for almost every possible scenario. Included are such items as a chainsaw and inflatable cushions to lift heavy objects.
P276 CPY is a Toyota fire car, used for restricted access areas on the North York Moors. It was photogrpahed at Ripon Fire Station.
Here we have a Bronto Skylift. The engine can level itself on the steepest of slopes, and the cradle can carry firefighters around corners and up many stories. This vehicle has a life expectancy of 15 years, then it can be recycled to make new fire engines.
E475 KVN is a regular Volvo engine which is used solely for training drivers
M654 ECU is a Volvo flatbed truck used Northumberland Fire and Rescue. It can be used for transporting debris from fires or crashes.
D830 EVN A Bedford flat bed truck which is used for driver training.
This is Victor Zero Three, a Dennis Turntable Ladder from Gateshead.
An electric miniturised fire engine, not in service.
Foxtrot Zero Nine, Tyne and Wear Fire Brigade’s rescue boat Called ‘Tinea’ It is based at the Byker station.
This is a regular turntable ladder, showing to what height it can reach (compare it to the mock up of the two story house).
A close up of the control seat for such a set of ladders.
E842 JYV is an ex-London Saxon fire appliance that is in preservation.
VUG 307R This small fire appliance is a 1976 Dodge decked out in red and white. The badge on the door says “Commerland Fire Service”, which is operated by Yorkshire Classic Campers.
HSU 109A This 1963 Land Rover Redwing is fitted with a Winkworth emergency warning bell and single blue flashing light. The writing on the side simply says “Fire Brigade”. It spent 27 years with South of Scotland Electricity Board before moving into preservation.
URO 552 This is a ex-Hertfordshire 1955 Bedford B series water tender. From the front it looks like it could still be operational.
The side view of the same ex-front line appliance. Clearly its role has changed as the water tank and equipment lockers have been replaced to make a mobile a coffee shop called Coffee Engine!
NOL 196X This ex-Birmingham Airport Fire Service Boughton with Carmichael bodywork is currently in preservation.
SXF 159 This is an Austin A40 which carries AFS crests and a sign saying “Property of the Scottish Home Office”. It was in active use from 1956 to 1968 as a staff car amongst other duties.
The rear view of the AFS car
XYM 677 This is a 1960 Matchless G3LS motorbike which was with the AFS. It has a 350cc engine and was stored in a Scottish aircraft hanger with eight other examples when the AFS disbanded in 1968. 11 years later it was sold to a private owner.
The rear view of the Matchless, showing the canvas panniers and solitary rear light (arm signals were used for turning).
PGW 590 This Bedford Self propelled pump now leads an easier life advertising Christmas trees!
30 AG 88 This vintage Dennis is an example of an RAF fire service vehicle.