Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has taken delivery of three Scania CP31 appliances, designed to ensure fire crews can get to incidents as quickly and safely as possible. One will be based at each Crewe, Northwich and Runcorn Fire Stations.
The Scania CP31 has incorporated into its design, more up-to-date technology, lightweight and recyclable bodywork, a more carbon efficient engine giving off lower emissions, easier accessible rescue ladders and equipment lockers, and a greater capacity water loading and pump.

The bodywork, fitted by John Dennis Coachbuilders, is made of recyclable polymer which, being lightweight, gives greater speed efficiency when responding to emergencies. This particular bodywork also provides the option to 'second-life' the body on to a new chassis after thirteen years - the general operational life of a fire appliance - reducing the cost of the next generation appliances. It has a 320bhp Euro-5 environmentally friendly engine and sits on a 4.3 metre wheel base.

Chair of Cheshire Fire Authority, David Topping, said: "We have purchased these fire engines as part of the investment programme outlined in our Four Year Strategy. Environment and climate change issues are of increasing concern in today's society. Addressing these issues is of growing importance." 
Other features of the new fire engines are slide and tilt ladder beam gantry systems which make the rescue ladders even more easily accessible than on existing appliances, increased LED lighting for greater efficiency and the full range of operational rescue equipment including hose reels, breaking tools, axes, environmental protection bag, foam concentrate for petrol and chemical fires, breathing apparatus sets, heavy duty fan and equipment for crews to carry out Home Safety Assessments. 
The appliances have full front and rear air suspension with a front or rear lowering facility to ease the crews' access to operational equipment in the appliance lockers. The lockers themselves are equipped with tilt and slide equipment shelving for ease of use. 1800 litres of water are carried on board as is the new Godiva 3010 Prima dual pressure fire pump.
Cllr Topping added: "We take our public leadership responsibility seriously and, as such, we are committed to operating not only a fleet that offers improved emergency response options and improved on-board capability for our firefighers, but one with the added dimension of energy efficiency."

 

Posted: 09.51, 29.7.11, rachael.haydon@pavpub.com