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New Appliance for Wakefield

Young Firefighters Receive UK's First custom-made Fire Engine



Young Firefighters have taken delivery of their own purpose-built fire engine.  West Yorkshire Chief Fire Officer Phil Toase and Chair of the Authority, Councillor Philip Booth, presented the new appliance believed to be the first in the country built specifically for young people to students on the Young Firefighters course at Wakefield Fire station on Wednesday 6th February.  Students from the David Young Community Academy, Temple Moor High School, Airedale High School, Kettlethorpe High School, Crofton High School, Normanton Freeston High School and Wakefield City High School will use the new appliance to demonstrate the skills they have learned on the course. The appliance was specially built by West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) in conjunction with companies F&G Commercials and the LDV Group to suit the needs of young people. It carries two ladders – a triple extension ladder and a light-weight double extension ladder, it has a crew cab which can seat five people and space for breathing apparatus sets, branches and other firefighting equipment usually stowed in fire appliances. Martin Hoole, Youth Training Co-ordinator for WYFRS, which runs the scheme, said:“The Young Firefighters scheme has been so well received throughout West Yorkshire that we decided to start looking at developing a dedicated appliance which is more suitable for younger people and one which suits the needs of the course. “The Young Firefighters in Wakefield are very proud to have their own appliance and are ready to showcase it and demonstrate the skills they have acquired. We hope this will be the first of many and that every fire station which runs the Young Firefighters course will eventually have its own purpose-built appliance.” Wakefield Councillor Philip Booth added: “The new fire appliance will enhance the training of the Young Firefighters at Wakefield Fire Station and ensure they leave with essential skills that they can then take into adulthood and help build safer communities.”



CFO Phil Toase meets the young firefighters after a display