Fact Bank
Bulk extinguishing materials centres
What are bulk extinguishing materials centres?
The term bulk extinguishing materials centres describes locations in London where specialist extinguishing equipment would be based, for example bulk foam units and hose layer lorries which are specialist appliances used to extinguish large or complex fires.
What are hose layer lorries?
A hose layer lorry is a vehicle which provides large capacity hose lines used over long distances to supply water to crews fighting a fire, for example at an incident where hydrants or water sources are too far away to be accessed using standard equipment.
What are bulk foam units?
A bulk foam unit is a pod (transported on a lorry like vehicle) carrying a 3,000-litre foam tank, a separate 500 litre foam tank and foam making equipment. The Brigade may use a bulk foam unit at incidents that require a large amount of foam for firefighting operations. An example would be a plane crash or chemical fire.
Will additional funding be required for these new centres?
No, the centres will be located in buildings we already own / use, the fourth draft London Safety Plan proposals are to move these specialist vehicles from their current locations to the new centres as detailed.
What is alternate crewing?
Alternate crewing would mean that staff based at the same location could operate different vehicles as and when they are needed.
How many staff could be affected if the proposals were accepted, bulk extinguishing materials centres established and alternate crewing introduced?
No one is going to lose their job. We would plan to reduce the numbers of trainee firefighters we recruit during an implementation period. There would be an impact on firefighters currently serving fire stations we are proposing to move specialist vehicles from, but these firefighters will either move to another station or move with the vehicle to its new base. Further work will be completed regarding alternate crewing.
Are you going to close fire stations or reduce the number of appliances?
No, we are improving how we manage our resources, not reducing equipment or fire stations.
Would crews with specialist training go out on a fire engine if based at one of the centres?
Crews working at the bulk extinguishing materials centres would be able to operate and drive all of the vehicles based at that centre. The specialist skills needed to operate all of these vehicles are very similar. If the proposals are approved we will review the skills required to be an operator on fire rescue units and urban search and rescue vehicles.
How would this affect the training of firefighters?
The establishment of the centres would improve training opportunities for firefighters by housing specialist skills and equipment all in one place, making it easier and more efficient to arrange training. By planning our resources, we ensure that the firefighter skills are tailored to the needs of every fire station in the Brigade. Professional skills and experience are never compromised.