Unfortunately, like most countries around the world, the UK is being crippled by Government cuts, the Fire Service in particular having their budgets slashed time and time again. Stations are closing, guys retiring and nobody replacing them and appliances (apparatus) are being taken from stations.
The West Midlands have tried to combat this by replacing the majority of their two pump stations with a single Pump Rescue Ladder (PRL) and what they call a Brigade Response Vehicle - a van!
Government fat cats and Politicians will say these things are absolutely brilliant, with a crew of three they will compliment the full-size PRL's perfectly. In reality all they are is a glorified van with a jet wash in the back.
Based on a Toyota Hi-Lux 4x4 chassis they carry a driver plus two personnel, have a high-pressure water fogging system, two SCBA sets and some ancillary equipment.
I wont get into the politics side of things but the opinion of the guys is these things will cost a life sooner or later.
The West Midlands have tried to combat this by replacing the majority of their two pump stations with a single Pump Rescue Ladder (PRL) and what they call a Brigade Response Vehicle - a van!
Government fat cats and Politicians will say these things are absolutely brilliant, with a crew of three they will compliment the full-size PRL's perfectly. In reality all they are is a glorified van with a jet wash in the back.
Based on a Toyota Hi-Lux 4x4 chassis they carry a driver plus two personnel, have a high-pressure water fogging system, two SCBA sets and some ancillary equipment.
I wont get into the politics side of things but the opinion of the guys is these things will cost a life sooner or later.
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