Past and present members of Limerick City Fire and Rescue Service gathered at Mulgrave Street Fire Station today as the Service took delivery of two new fire fighting vehicles.
The €287,500 (each) water tender ladder (WrL) appliances, which have been funded by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, bring to 13 the number of vehicles located at the city centre fire station. The tenders – the best-known style of fire engine that attends both domestic and commercial fires - were supplied by McCarthy Commercials of Watergrasshill in Cork and can carry a crew of one officer and five fire fighters.
Each of the tenders are capable of delivering 4,000 litres of water per minute and carry a variety of equipment, including four different types of fire ladders, fire fighting hose, foam, fire extinguishers, breathing apparatus sets and hydraulic crash rescue equipment. The vehicles’ design also features the latest technology in vehicle warning systems and LED emergency lighting.
Among those who attended today’s handover ceremony was the Mayor of Limerick, representatives of the local Council, and past and present Fire Fighters from Limerick City Fire and Rescue Service. Dressed in old fire kits, a number of retired Fire Fighters provided live demonstrations of first fire appliances ever acquired by the Brigade in 1930 and 1952.
Speaking at today’s handover of the Emergency Tenders by McCarthy Commercials of Watergrasshill in Cork, Mayor Gerry McLoughlin said he is delighted to see that Fire Service personnel are being delivered the necessary resources to allow them to respond to emergency incidents with maximum efficiency.
“I believe that the considerable funding has been allocated by the Department for these new tenders, when looked at it in the context of the current fiscal constraints, is a vote of confidence in the work being carried out by Limerick City Fire and Rescue Service. The people of Limerick City and its environs are indebted to the men and women of the local Fire Service who provide a professional service 24-hours a day, 365 days a year,” added the Mayor.
Josephine Cotter Coughlan, Director of Services with responsibility for the Emergency Services stated that the delivery of the new Water Tenders will help to support the development and maintenance of a quality local Fire and Rescue Service. She added: “The delivery of these new water tankers further enhances Mulgrave Street Fire Station’s status as one of the best equipped facilities of its kind in the Mid West region. Furthermore, the fire fighting capability of the local service has been greatly enhanced through the provision of these vehicles.”
Chief Fire Officer Michael Ryan explained that Limerick City Fire and Rescue Service upgrades its fleet on a regular basis.
“Operational 24/7, the fleet now comprises specialist aerial appliances for high-rise rescues as well as special incident and water carrying vehicles. The provision of a modern and efficient service fleet is complemented by the fact that the Service’s 60 operational officers and firefighters regularly participate in training events, both regionally and nationally. This constant upskilling has helped our fire and rescue staff to establish a reputation for being amongst the most highly trained in the country and has further enhanced their capacity to respond to an average of between 1500 and 2000 emergency calls every year,” Mr. Ryan said.
Christmas Fire Safety
Meanwhile, Mr. Ryan today reminded homeowners of the importance of fire safety awareness over the Christmas period. He added that there are a number safety tips that people should be aware of so as to ensure that their holidays are not ruined by fire incidents.
Fire Safety Tips from Limerick City Fire and Rescue Service
- Install a smoke alarm and check it weekly.
- Always use a proper candleholder and make sure the candle fits firmly inside it. Leave plenty of space above and around the candle and candleholder
- Keep candles away from curtains, Christmas cards and anything that can catch fire
- Never leave candles unattended or go to sleep when they are alight
- Make sure your Christmas Tree has a good base or is attached to the wall. Remember that trees dry out and make very good fuel to start a fire.
- Be careful with any decorations placed near the fireplace
- Visit any elderly neighbours. Smoke alarms make good presents – they are for life…saving life
For more see www.limerickcity.ie.
The €287,500 (each) water tender ladder (WrL) appliances, which have been funded by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, bring to 13 the number of vehicles located at the city centre fire station. The tenders – the best-known style of fire engine that attends both domestic and commercial fires - were supplied by McCarthy Commercials of Watergrasshill in Cork and can carry a crew of one officer and five fire fighters.
Each of the tenders are capable of delivering 4,000 litres of water per minute and carry a variety of equipment, including four different types of fire ladders, fire fighting hose, foam, fire extinguishers, breathing apparatus sets and hydraulic crash rescue equipment. The vehicles’ design also features the latest technology in vehicle warning systems and LED emergency lighting.
Among those who attended today’s handover ceremony was the Mayor of Limerick, representatives of the local Council, and past and present Fire Fighters from Limerick City Fire and Rescue Service. Dressed in old fire kits, a number of retired Fire Fighters provided live demonstrations of first fire appliances ever acquired by the Brigade in 1930 and 1952.
Speaking at today’s handover of the Emergency Tenders by McCarthy Commercials of Watergrasshill in Cork, Mayor Gerry McLoughlin said he is delighted to see that Fire Service personnel are being delivered the necessary resources to allow them to respond to emergency incidents with maximum efficiency.
“I believe that the considerable funding has been allocated by the Department for these new tenders, when looked at it in the context of the current fiscal constraints, is a vote of confidence in the work being carried out by Limerick City Fire and Rescue Service. The people of Limerick City and its environs are indebted to the men and women of the local Fire Service who provide a professional service 24-hours a day, 365 days a year,” added the Mayor.
Josephine Cotter Coughlan, Director of Services with responsibility for the Emergency Services stated that the delivery of the new Water Tenders will help to support the development and maintenance of a quality local Fire and Rescue Service. She added: “The delivery of these new water tankers further enhances Mulgrave Street Fire Station’s status as one of the best equipped facilities of its kind in the Mid West region. Furthermore, the fire fighting capability of the local service has been greatly enhanced through the provision of these vehicles.”
Chief Fire Officer Michael Ryan explained that Limerick City Fire and Rescue Service upgrades its fleet on a regular basis.
“Operational 24/7, the fleet now comprises specialist aerial appliances for high-rise rescues as well as special incident and water carrying vehicles. The provision of a modern and efficient service fleet is complemented by the fact that the Service’s 60 operational officers and firefighters regularly participate in training events, both regionally and nationally. This constant upskilling has helped our fire and rescue staff to establish a reputation for being amongst the most highly trained in the country and has further enhanced their capacity to respond to an average of between 1500 and 2000 emergency calls every year,” Mr. Ryan said.
Christmas Fire Safety
Meanwhile, Mr. Ryan today reminded homeowners of the importance of fire safety awareness over the Christmas period. He added that there are a number safety tips that people should be aware of so as to ensure that their holidays are not ruined by fire incidents.
Fire Safety Tips from Limerick City Fire and Rescue Service
- Install a smoke alarm and check it weekly.
- Always use a proper candleholder and make sure the candle fits firmly inside it. Leave plenty of space above and around the candle and candleholder
- Keep candles away from curtains, Christmas cards and anything that can catch fire
- Never leave candles unattended or go to sleep when they are alight
- Make sure your Christmas Tree has a good base or is attached to the wall. Remember that trees dry out and make very good fuel to start a fire.
- Be careful with any decorations placed near the fireplace
- Visit any elderly neighbours. Smoke alarms make good presents – they are for life…saving life
For more see www.limerickcity.ie.
