600 Separate Items in Special Fire Tender
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AT the present time, when the country's fire-fighting services are being expanded and reorganized to meet problems that may arise as the result of enemy action, a special firefighting tender, which has been presented by the inhabitants of Spenborough to the local district council, is of particular interest.
The tender is designed to deal with exceptional and unusual risks at fires or accidents, which probably can only be met by the provision of apparatus not ordinarily carried on normal types of fire-fighter. The credit for the conception of the machine belongs to the commandant (Mr. B. Bentley) of the Spenborough A.F.S., who, after a visit to the headquarters of the London Fire Brigade, visualized -the possibilities of a similar machine for employment in his own district.
Based on a Commer 3"-ton forwardcontrol chassis, the comprehensive equipment that is included is intended to meet emergencies which may arise in connection with specific contingencies. Amongst these are exceptional fires, involving electrical risks or oil, petrol or other volatile spirits, as well as chemicals, poisonous gases or smoke. To meet such conditions, special extinguishing apparatus and self-contained breathing appliances are provided.
Rescue work can also be undertaken and, for this purpose, the equipment includes rocket apparatus, automatic life-lines, a jumping sheet, jacking and lilting tackle, an oxy-acetylene cutting appliance and a portable road breaker and floodlight.
Medical needs have not been over looked and, in addition to first-aid requisites, a complete outfit of surgical and medical necessities is provided for use by qualified practitioners, when immediate attention is demanded in cases of serious accident.
Resuscitation work, which is necessary in cases of shock or partial suffocation, is also catered for, and equipment for such serviceincludes a Riley rocking stretcher and a Novox resuscitation apparatus. For the vocal control of fire and allied services, a Tammy power microphone and amplifier are provided.
The chassis, body and equipment, containing upwards of 600 separate items, cost approximately £2,000, and the whole of that amount was subscribed locally. The outfit is smart and businesslike in appearance, and is clearly shown in the accompanying picture.