New. Appliance that Typifies Fire-Fighter Progress
Page 17
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
OF recent years, there has been an all-round improvement in fireengine design, and the modern firefighter gives an infinitely better performance than earlier types, apart from the fact that, in most cases, the crew is provided with accommodation that is infinitely more comfortable. The progress made in the construction of machines of this type is well reflected in a recent Dennis fire-engine delivered to the authorities at Chester.
It is a 500-600-gallon motor pump— the Light Six model in the Dennis range—and it has a special enclosed body seating five firemen, the driver and an officer. The fire authorities at Chester selected this machine on the strength of its road performance, its pumping capabilities and by reason of the brigade's satisfactory experience of fire appliances of this particular make.
Whilst the outline of the body conforms, in general, to the limousine pattern, with two transverse seats, the design of the rear end is particularly interesting. The arrangement has been made possible by situating the main pump amidships, with one suction inlet and two delivery outlets at each side. Not only are three main lockers provided for the accommodation of delivery hose and other equipment— reached from either side—but behind them is an open compartment in which is mounted the first-aid hose-reel, this being readily accessible for instant use. It is fed by an independent pump and the controls are conveniently situated beside the driver's seat.
Immediately below the first-aid hose is a hinged locker door; this opens to reveal three tunnels in which are stowed the lengths of suction for the main pump. Also noticeable in the rear view reproduced is the drawbar, to which a trailer pump may be attached, and a useful provision is the hinged flap at the base of the skirting. This gives access to the rear axle, for lubrication purposes, and facilitates the placing of a jack when wheel changing has to be carried out.
Among other items may be noted the 40-ft. telescopic ladder and a handoperated fire bell, which is mounted on the roof above the officer's seat. This is balanced on the off side by a Francis electrically operated bell, whilst between the two is an illuminated sign displaying the word "Fire," and below this, at the foot of the windscreen, is a flashing amber light. An 1I-in. Francis searchlight, mounted at the near side, completes the equipment of this unusually well-planned appliance.