Fire service upgrades wildfire response vehicle

A vehicle which helps firefighters tackle wildfires in County Durham and Darlington has been upgraded. The Land Rover Wildfire Response Vehicle is based in Crook and attends wildfires and other incidents in locations that a standard fire engine can’t get to.

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) has had a dedicated wildfire vehicle since July 2023, but it was upgraded in March this year to enhance the service’s wildfire response capability.

Its larger size means that it can carry even more specialised wildfire equipment to locations.  This includes wildfire hand tools used for creating firebreaks and extinguishing fires as well as flexible backpack sprayers.

The vehicle also carries light portable pumps and lightweight hoses which helps to reduce firefighter fatigue and enables water to be delivered to the incident. Lightweight helmets and goggles are also stocked on board to improve the welfare of firefighters.

“CDDFRS has had a Wildfire Response Unit since July, 2023. In March 2024, we upgraded our dedicated Land Rover Wildfire Response Vehicle which is primarily used for responding to wildfires and other incidents where access is restricted due to uneven ground, meaning that standard fire appliance cannot get near.

“Fortunately, because of the very wet weather we have had this year, the vehicle has not attended an incident yet. However, when the weather is warm and dry, there is a greater risk of a wildfire incident, so this vehicle helps the service to be prepared.”

Gavin Meisuria, Consett Watch Manager.

The dedicated vehicle ensures that it is also possible to deliver wildfire equipment to crews at the scene of several different ongoing incidents.

Between April 2022 and March 2024, CDDFRS crews tackled 18 wildfires across County Durham and Darlington – many of which were in grassland areas.

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