Groundbreaking new fire gear goes on the run across Kent
Innovative firefighting equipment is being rolled out across Kent – from all terrain vehicles to specialist technology which can cut through concrete and rapidly reduce the temperature of building fires.

This is the next phase of a major project to ensure that Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is ready to meet the future needs of the county. The new kit means there is more flexibility, certain incidents can be reached faster and tackled more quickly, and savings can be made by not always having to use a traditional fire engine for every job.

New equipment includes:
All terrain eight wheeled vehicles which can get firefighters and equipment to remote areas such as woods and moorlands that would be impossible for a traditional heavy fire engine to reach.

KFRS Director of Operational Policy and Resilience, Steve Demetriou, said: “We have traditionally had a ‘one size fits all’ model and used traditional fire engines for every type of incident, but technology and firefighting has moved on. So it makes sense to take advantage of new technology that means we can reach and tackle certain types of incident quicker and at the same time, save money. However we will always need traditional fire engines and in fact, we are investing by buying new models to replace existing engines that have reached the end of their useful life.”
The all terrain vehicles – being trialled at Dartford and Herne Bay – can access rural areas such as woodland which are difficult to get to with a normal fire engine. They will be used to fight countryside fires, but can also be equipped with a plough and tracks for use during periods of severe weather.

These will be complimented by two new four x four vehicles equipped with fire-fogging units – a high-powered hose that can reach inaccessible areas and fight woodland and grassland fires far quicker than a traditional engine. They are due to be introduced into service in the next few weeks.

Chris Colgan added: “These new vehicles will mean KFRS can respond to a variety of incidents throughout the year, in the most efficient way possible. The all terrain vehicle has the versatility to not only tackle grassland fires in restricted rural areas, but also provide us with a very valuable resource to deal with a variety of incidents during the winter months and severe weather.
In addition KFRS is replacing 21 fire engines that have reached the end of their life with new models.”
Argo Cat (all terrain vehicle) is from a UK importer, imported from Argo, Canada. And is used in only three other Fire Brigades in the UK.
Land Securities allowed access to a disused quarry, an ideal setting to put the ATV's through their paces and providing invaluable training areas to fire crews.
Lorraine Morrison, Estate Manager for Land Securities said: “We take our corporate responsibilities very seriously; they remain at the heart of all our activity. We were delighted to assist Kent Fire and Rescue Service with their live training exercise and are happy to see the quarry being put to good use.”