A COMMUNITY fire station has revealed the newest additions to its fleet. 

Last month, Delabole Community Fire Station was supplied with a brand new Toyota Hilux, part of an ongoing fleet renewal program in the service.

The most recent addition to the crew was specially chosen to suit the needs of the rural environment and has been fitted with technical equipment to assist the team with their work.  

The team have explained that the area can require a specific appliance, and that this new state-of-the-art vehicle will help the crew maintain the level of service which they are used to providing the community which they are embedded in.  

A spokesperson from the station said: “Our station area consists of many different geographical areas and providing a unique vehicle that serves this purpose is challenging but incredibly important.  

“The new Toyota Hilux 4x4 is equipped with in standard form a slide tray in the rear compartment that is currently fitted with a light portable pump, lengths of firefighting hose and many small tools and adapters to allow crews to operate in areas of restricted access situations where a traditional dire appliance cannot get. 

“We were often recalled to deal with spread of deep seated fires in sublayers which would spread in some cases up to two or three meters away in peat laden ground igniting areas which have previously been undamaged by fire. 

“This new equipment will save time and also protect our rural areas preventing spread and quickly establishing fire breaks to reduce harm to our environment. Wildfire risks are high during our peak summer season and prevention through responsible behaviour in these high risk areas is welcomed. 

“A modern vehicle with 4x4 capability is a superb benefit for us at Delabole, it’s happy on the highway and very capable in off road scenarios, so it fits our station ground perfectly. 

“The Delabole crews would like to express our appreciation and gratitude to the staff at our service workshops and asset team for their diligence and professional support whilst being attentive to our requirements for our station ground, so we can give the best possible service to our communities.”