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Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service is set to receive two new specialist water and foam carriers later this month, bringing some of the most advanced firefighting capabilities in the UK to the county.
Each vehicle can carry and pump 13,500 litres of water and 1,500 litres of foam concentrate, making them among the largest and most capable vehicles in the sector. They are designed to support complex firefighting operations and enhance response at major incidents.
Built by Emergency One in Scotland, the two carriers cost £850,000 and replace older vehicles at Fakenham and Hethersett that have served for 23 and 24 years.
“Our existing carriers at Fakenham and Hethersett have reached the end of their life. These new vehicles are sector-leading and will be invaluable to us in supplying large quantities of water and foam to bring significant fires under control quickly and skilfully.”
Ceri Sumner, Chief Fire Officer, Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service.
Norfolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, added: “This investment strengthens Norfolk’s firefighting capabilities, helping crews respond effectively and keep our communities safe.”
Key features include:
- Godiva 4010 pump with SAMFLOW control – allows water and foam to be supplied to multiple outlets at different pressures simultaneously, improving safety and flexibility on the incident ground.
- Two 5,000-litre inflatable hex-dams per vehicle – enable crews to create pop-up water storage at large incidents, maintaining water supplies even if the carrier moves to a new incident. Particularly useful during prolonged heatwaves.
- Four-seater cab – increasing crew capacity; one of the older carriers only had two seats.
With testing now complete, the vehicles are expected to arrive in Norfolk by Christmas. Crews at Fakenham and Hethersett will receive training on the specialist equipment and undertake additional driver familiarisation.
“This is the largest water carrier we’ve ever built, and our team has put enormous care into every detail. Working with Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service has been a pleasure, and we’re proud to deliver a vehicle that will make a real difference at incidents.”
Brian Girvan, Production Director at Emergency One.
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