New fire engine for Fermoy on the way

Fermoy Fire Service are one of three rural stations that will see a new fire engine serving its community, as Cork County Council’s Fire Service has this week taken delivery of three new fire engines.

Fermoy’s new vehicle will be designated the call sign ‘Charlie-Kilo-Two-Five-Alpha-One’ (CK25A1) and will be the first turnout appliance in the station.

Currently being kitted out, the new engine for Fermoy, a Scania, is expected to be on site within the next week or two, taking over the position as the No.1 truck from the 07 Volvo.

A Fermoy Fire Service Spokesperson welcomed the new engine locally stating: “It’s a good bit of kit, a more modern truck and will be nicer to drive. It’s fifteen or sixteen years newer than our original truck, so we’re looking forward to it”.

The local station is also equipped with another special Emergency Tender appliance to assist with road traffic collisions on the M8 Motorway.

Carrigaline and Skibbereen will also receive new vehicles.

“These new appliances will greatly support the invaluable work of our fire personnel, allowing them to access the latest technology while benefitting from the most up to date safety features,” said the Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Danny Collins.

“Our brigades in Fermoy, Carrigaline and Skibbereen will be better supported in protecting their communities, as well as providing assistance to their neighbouring stations when called upon,” he added.

Each state-of-the-art fire engine can accommodate eight crew, has an integrated body, an 1,800-litre water tank and comes fitted with a water and compressed air foam pumping system. The appliances also carry a set of ladders capable of reaching up 13.5m in height.

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey highlighted the importance of modernising the existing fleet in Cork County.

“Cork County Fire Stations in Fermoy, Carrigaline and Skibbereen serve a combined population of 70,000 people and respond to circa 400 calls each year. Our crews in these areas cover a number of towns and villages, as well as large commercial premises, manufacturing plants, pharmaceutical industries, a deep-water port and the M8 Motorway.

“These three new appliances will facilitate the work of our firefighters, ensuring they are well equipped to respond to emergencies with the very latest in modern fire-fighting technology,” Mr Lucey said.

The appliances were funded by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

The county’s Fire Service also took delivery of a specialised aerial high reach platform in 2022.

Based in Midleton, the appliance has a working reach of 28m facilitating access to high areas and is capable of providing over 2,000 litres of water per minute at large industrial fires.