To aid us in emergency response, we have a number of different fire engines that we call “Appliances” or “Pumps”. Each vehicle has a specific purpose and varied equipment carried onboard.
Fire Appliance
The most common front-line appliance deployed to all emergency calls. It is a general-purpose unit capable of carrying and pumping water, it also carries rescue and cutting equipment to deal with road traffic accidents and other rescue operations. A number of ladders are stowed on the appliance such as the 13.5m, 9m, roof ladder and short triple ladder enabling SFRS crews to effectively deal with scenarios where they are required to work at height. Additionally, each fire appliance carries an LPP (light portable pump), with a number of appliances within Shropshire also carrying a PPV (positive pressure ventilation) fan. The fire appliance can be crewed by up to 9 firefighters.
Light Pumping Unit – LPU
The Light Pumping Unit (LPU) is used to pump large volumes of water over long distances. It can be used in flood relief or at incidents where water is scarce. The submersible pump makes it possible for water to be delivered to the fireground at up to 6,000 litres per minute from up to one mile away. SFRS has 2 of these appliances, one stationed at Craven Arms with 1,600 metres of 6” hose and another stationed at Shrewsbury with 1,400 metres of 5” hose.
High Volume Pumping Unit (HVPU) and hose layer
The High-Volume Pumping Unit (HVPU) is a larger version of the LPU, and a national resilience asset. It can be used in flood relief or at incidents where water is scarce. The submersible pump makes it possible for large quantities of water (up to 8,000 litres per minute) to be delivered to the fireground from over a mile away thanks to 1,500 metres of 6” hose on the HVPU and 3,000 metres of hose on board the Hose Layer. Both appliances are stationed at Prees.
Bowser – Water Carrier
The Water Carrier is a tanker that is used to provide vast volumes of water to locations that may not have a nearby hydrant or open water supply. This appliance is stationed at Bridgnorth and carries 8000 litres of water. SFRS also has a water carrier based at Oswestry Station which carries 4,800 litres of water.
Aerial Ladder Platform – ALP
The ALP is an appliance with a hydraulic ladder platform capable of extending 32m (or 104ft) in height and is able to deploy an elevated jet of water or provide a method of rescuing trapped people. SFRS has two of these. One based at Shrewsbury and one based at Telford Central.
Incident Support Unit – ISU
An Incident Support Unit (ISU) is a 4×4 pick-up used as transport or at incidents where access is restricted. It carries specialist equipment pods for different situations, which can be changed at a moment’s notice. There are 10 ISU’s strategically placed around the county.
Rescue Tender – RT
The Rescue Tender (RT) is an appliance fitted with a chassis mounted HIAB crane and winch. The appliance is used for road traffic collisions, animal rescue scenarios and carries specialist rescue equipment. This appliance is stationed at Wellington.
Incident Command Unit – ICU
The Incident Command Unit (ICU) is a large van fitted with monitoring and communication equipment. It is used at medium to large scale incidents where a control point of communication and strategic planning is required. The Incident Command Unit is usually situated on or close to the fire ground whilst an incident is in progress.
Rescue Boats
SFRS has two rescue boats, both of which are stationed at Shrewsbury and crewed by wholetime firefighters.