A new Intermediate Capability (IC) fire engine is being piloted on the streets of Hampshire, designed to be more nimble and efficient than traditional units.
 
The vehicle is equipped with  ultra-high pressure lances and the latest rescue gear. It is also slightly smaller than traditional fire engines, making it easier to manoeuvre on busy city roads.
 
The pilot IC is based at St Mary’s Fire Station, in Southampton, and has already been used in incidents from fires and traffic collisions to automatic fire alarms and hazardous material call outs.

There will soon be more prototypes around Hampshire; at Southsea, Rushmoor, Basingstoke and Whitchurch.
 
The IC vehicle is part of a strategy that runs alongside the Scan, Attack, Ventilate, Enter (SAVE) approach that could shape the future of modern firefighting by giving greater protection to firefighters through embracing modern technology.

Deputy chief officer Neil Odin said: “I am delighted that our teams across Hampshire have worked hard in the development of a new way of firefighting and the launch of this pilot vehicle is focussed on bringing the very latest technology to our firefighters, keeping them safer while delivering a faster more effective capability.”