Rapid Response in Gourock
Inverclyde Councillors have been given their first glimpse of the new £195,000 fire appliance to be stationed in Gourock from next year.
The new fire engine features an ultra-high pressure lance system that allows firefighters to attack a blaze from outside a building, a positive pressure ventilation fan to allow faster access into a burning property and a thermal image camera.
Graeme Binning is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Local Senior Office for East Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire and Inverclyde.
He said: “This technology is fast, efficient and proven – with it our crews can begin firefighting within seconds of arrival by cutting straight to the heart of the flames.
“Combined with this new state-of-the art appliance our retained firefighters will be able to respond quickly and decisively to keep saving lives in Inverclyde.”
“But crucially, we will be able to fight many fires without putting our firefighters’ lives in danger by sending them into a burning building.
“Our retained firefighters are absolutely dedicated to protecting their communities – and we are arming them with the right tools to do just that.”
Members of Inverclyde Council’s Local Police and Fire Scrutiny Committee were given a demonstration of the new unit and the equipment on board.
Convener Councillor Tommy McVey said: ““Firefighting - fire safety - is changing. New, improved technology is continuing to be developed and this is another step along that road.
“This is a brand new appliance and the kit on it is excellent. It gives firefighters a lot of flexibility and it can only enhance fire safety in Inverclyde.”
Photograph: (LtoR) Marieke Dwarshuis Member of Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Board, Councillor Tommy McVey, Graeme Binning and Councillor Lynne Quinn, Vice Convener.