Category: Fire

Fire > Classic

K472 PAG Humberside Fire Brigade Dennis SS / HCB Angus

K472 PAG
Humberside Fire Brigade
Dennis SS / HCB Angus
This Dennis SS fire engine served with Humberside Fire Brigade. It features HCB Angus bodywork and was commonly used throughout the UK in the early 1990s. Now preserved, it retains its original livery and operational equipment and appears at historic vehicle shows.

Fire > Classic

RXP 688 Auxiliary Fire Service Bedford RLHZ Green Goddess

RXP 688
Auxiliary Fire Service
Bedford RLHZ Green Goddess
This preserved Bedford RLHZ ‘Green Goddess’ was used by the Auxiliary Fire Service and is painted in traditional military green. The vehicle includes pumping gear and hose reels. Also shown is a large water reservoir than can be used to ensure enough water is available for pumping. These vehicles were deployed during firefighter strikes and remain iconic in British emergency services history. The interior reflects its utilitarian military design.

Fire > Classic

CYY 630C Auxiliary Fire Service Bedford RL

CYY 630C
Auxiliary Fire Service
Bedford RL
This Bedford RL truck was used by the Auxiliary Fire Service as a general support vehicle. It is fitted with a canvas-covered rear and painted in military green with ‘AFS’ markings. These trucks accompanied pumping appliances and carried equipment or personnel. It has been converted into a camper so that the owner can stay in it when it is displayed at events.

Fire > In Action

Buckles Inn Exercise

Buckles Inn Training Exercise

The Buckles Inn, located just outside York, was a traditional country pub and inn known for its warm atmosphere and convenient location. Situated near major roads and only a short drive from York’s historic city centre, it served as a popular stop for travellers exploring the area. Now closed, it was the scene of a fire training exercise in February 2025.

Before the exercise commences, EG23 LXP a Ford Transit from Tadcaster, was on scene to set up the smoke bombs.

As smoke started emanating from the extractor vents and door gaps, the Transit was repositioned right next to the A64 dual carriageway. This helped as a marker for where the appliances would need to turn into the car park as well as be a reassuring presence for members of the public passing (to try and avoid any unnecessary 999 calls).

The call is put in at 10:09 for a turnout.

First to arrive is YK64 GXU from York just 6 minutes later. The appliance makes slows down on the A64 dual carriageway and makes use of a short exit lane to observe the scene. The driver then moves forward about 100m at the side of the dual carriageway and make the sharp 90 degree turn into the Buckles Inn car park, carefully negotiating the narrow entrance. The appliance leaves the blue lights flashing at the scene as crews quickly assess the situation.

NJ22 EPX is next from near-by Tadcaster at 10:19 to back up York. Roles are established and crews don BA kit to enter the property. BA boards are set up at two different entrances to the building.

YK64 GXR arrives from Huntington at 10:32 to make pumps 3.

This is a joint exercise with West Yorkshire, so backing up the initial crews at 10:37 were YJ60 ELX and YK17 OAH from Garforth. West Yorkshire position their appliances to a different side of the building and prepare to enter through a different door.

YJ12 GTU is the second pump from Tadcaster and arrives at 10:39 to make pumps 6. The crew are briefed by the officer in charge and prepare to support their colleagues.

The last pump to arrive is Selby’s YJ22 EPY which is supported by Land Rover YJ12 DXF. The Land Rover is used for water rescue work and is unusual as having no ‘fire’ markings or crests on it.

The exercise was a success and all of the crews gained valuable experience in dealing with a large smoke-logged building.

Fire

AV12 DNF, KP60 XCC, LK15 AYX Felixstowe Docks Emergency Response Uni..

AV12 DNF KP60 XCC LK15 AYX
Felixstowe Docks Emergency Response Unit
The line-up of two ambulances and one fire appliance that are based at the Emergency Response Unit building at Felixstowe. The personnel are used interchangeably in the two different types of emergency vehicles. Additional support vehicles are also based here.

Fire > Classic

E379 DBL Port of Liverpool Dodge G16 / Saxon

E379 DBL
Port of Liverpool
Dodge G16 / Saxon
Fitted with a Simon SS70 hydraulic platform. This is a former Buckinghamshire appliance (as seen from the enhanced-contrast photo of the door). It is in a very sorry state inside and out due to sitting unused in Birkhamstead Docks for at least 10 years.

Fire

X895 BYD Volvo FL6 / Saxon

X895 BYD
Volvo FL6 / Saxon
This ex-Devon and Somerset appliance is now touring the country to various driving days where the public can pay to drive it (off road). It is advertising the Young Driver scheme whereby children aged 10 and upwards can learn to drive Vauxhall Corsas off road

Fire

E604 LHN Cleveland Fire Brigade Scania 92m

E604 LHN
Cleveland Fire Brigade
Scania 92m
Simon Snorkel hydraulic platform based at Middlesborough. This appliance is older than some in museums (new in 1987/88) but is still on front line operational duties in Cleveland in 2023. She has undergone some minor livery changes during it’s life but has spent her whole time with Cleveland. The firefighters who drive her actually quite like her and some are quite a bit younger than she is! Personifying this aged appliance as a female just seems right.