TENBURY has lost its second fire engine.

The appliance that has been taken away as part of a cost cutting exercise by the Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority left the station for the final time last Friday (November 7).

It marks the final act of a battle to save the second appliance that began almost a year ago.

Now there is just one machine to provide cover in the town and surrounding area with support from other stations in Hereford and Worcester necessary in those incidents that require more than one engine.

However, the appliance that remains is a formidable piece of kit.

It carries six fire fighters and their equipment, heavy duty rescue equipment, 1,800 litres of water and a selection of ladders.

This appliance carries a Tirfor Winch, Positive Pressure Ventilation and a large array of rescue equipment in addition to the standard equipment.

The rescue equipment carried on this vehicle comprises of a Clan Lukas dedicated cutter, spreader and ram, high pressure and low pressure airbags, pedal cutter and door opener, socket set, dead blow hammer, chocks, sharp end protection and glass master saw.

It also carries "Stabfast" for the stabilisation of overturned vehicles. The appliance also carries water rescue and safety equipment, a gas monitor and toilet facilities.

Ladders are standard across all appliances. These are 13.5m, 9m, triple extension and roof ladder.

The vehicle is fitted with two blue lights in the front grille and on the front corners, flashing headlights and a light bar consisting of blue flashers. The vehicle is also fitted with flashing headlights above the windscreen. At the rear of the vehicle are two red and two blue lights.

All of the lights can be switched on automatically using a "999" button, or by using individual buttons for each light. This appliance is fitted with "fend-off" blue lights along the side of the vehicle, which are activated using the "arrive on-scene" button. The vehicle is fitted with wail / yelp and two-tone sirens.

It is also fitted with a mast light, for lighting up the incident ground, complete with a flashing red/white command light, for when the appliance is being used as a command point. This vehicle is also the first appliance at Tenbury to be fitted out with the modern ‘Battenburg’ livery.

Caption: Tenbury’s second fire appliance leaves the station in Burford for the last time.