News Release             27^th March 2009

New vehicles for Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service

Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service has taken delivery of two new state of the art fire appliances. The keys of the new vehicles were handed over to the Convenor of Central Scotland Joint Fire and Rescue Board Councillor Craig Martin at Falkirk today by Michael Madsen from Emergency One (Vehicle Manufactures).

At a total cost of £300,000 for the two vehicles, the investment will bring considerable improvements in firefighter safety and efficiency with the added benefit of protecting the environment. 

The vehicles feature new computerised pumps to deliver water to a fire at a set pressure freeing the pump operator to assist with other tasks. Protection of firefighters within the vehicle has been improved by better seatbelt systems and safer glass fitted to the cab.

The new vehicles have considerable environmental benefits in that they are lighter and more fuel efficient and have extremely low diesel emissions. The bodywork of the vehicles is made of Glass Reinforced Plastic which has been designed to be reused on a new vehicle chassis at the end of the anticipated 15 year life cycle.

Chief Fire Officer Steven Torrie said "These new vehicles represent the best in practice for our service. Firefighters safety is paramount to providing a fast and safe service to the community, while minimising the effects on the environment."

Board Convenor Councillor Craig Martin said "We recognise the need to equip our firefighters to meet the demands of the job they do and these vehicles are at the cutting edge of fire appliance design. The long term investment in these vehicles will bring excellent value to the community in Central Scotland for many years to come"