McGimpsey announces new fire appliances for north west

Public Safety Minister, Michael McGimpsey handed over two new fire appliances to the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) in the North West today.

The specialist aerial (high rise) appliance and pumping appliance represent an investment of over half a million pounds.

Speaking on a visit to Northland Fire Station in Londonderry, where the new vehicles will be based, the Minister said: “This demonstrates the sort of capital investment needed to ensure our firefighters can deliver a first class service.

“As part of the final Executive budget announced earlier this year, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service will benefit from a significant £46million investment in fire appliances, rapid response vehicles, fire stations and up-to-date IT systems.

“Delivering new fire appliances, similar to those we see here today, will be just one of the many ways this new funding will assist in supporting this essential infrastructure development programme.”

He added: “The firefighters who serve Londonderry and the surrounding areas do a tremendous job in responding to a wide range of emergency incidents from fires, road traffic collisions and other specialist rescue calls. They are a vital part of the community.

“We hope that these new appliances will rarely be needed, but it is reassuring that this equipment, and the trained firefighters to use it, are here, ready, willing and able to use it at any time, day or night.”

Mr McGimpsey also took the opportunity to call on members of the public to do their bit in reducing attacks on firefighters and the lighting of malicious fires.

He said: “I would ask everyone to stop and think: Could my children or somebody I know have started the gorse fire? Could my children or somebody I know have been involved in an attack on fire fighters?

“We must all face reality and take collective responsibility for safety in our community. If these mindless attacks and fire settings continue, sooner or later we will pay a price. That price may be the life of someone you love or care about. That life may just be yours!

“Everyone in the community should take action to report the perpetrators and parents have a responsibility to ensure that their children behave.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The specialist aerial and pumping appliances have been provided at a total cost of £520,000.
2. In the year 1 June 2007 to 31 May 2008, reported attacks on firefighters in the Londonderry District including Strabane, Dungiven & Limavady have reduced from 19 in the first six months to 12 in the last six months of the year.
3. Firefighters have already attended 1,841 wildland/gorse fires right across Northern Ireland in the eight weeks to 1 June 2008.
4. Media queries to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0074, or out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
5. For further information from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS), please contact during office hours: Una Devlin, Corporate Communications Officer on 02892 664221 or 07789 208811. For out of office hours NIFRS media enquires, contact the Duty Headquarters Officer on 02892 664221.