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New wildfire equipment being used by Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service

By Amy Taylor

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A new specialist support vehicle is being used to tackle serious wildfires in Nottinghamshire.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service is using the unit to deploy specialist backpacks, wildfire blowers, beaters and Pulaski axes – used to clear material from around a fire.

Based at Eastwood Fire Station, it is also equipped with a blue hose pierced with holes that can create a protective water barrier of up to eight metres tall, known as a HydroWall hose.

Nottinghamshire has seen several serious summer wildfires in the last five years, the most recent being at Sherwood Pines on Sunday, June 15. Firefighters were sent out to extinguish around 4,000 square metres of woodland that was alight.

The equipment is part of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service’s continuous delivery and improvement project.

The project is designed to help crews respond effectively to a wide range of incidents, with a particular focus on woodland and rural areas.

Crews say the new wildfire equipment not only helps to extinguish fires but also makes it easier to clear debris, create fire breaks and also to target hot spots that are harder to reach.

Unveiling the new kit, the service urged the public to do their part in helping to prevent the start of any wildfires this summer.

It said: “Avoid using disposable barbecues in parks or open countryside, never leave campfires or bonfires unattended, take litter, especially glass bottles, home with you, and finally dispose of cigarettes appropriately.”

The Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service website has more information on outdoor fire safety.