Airport Fire Service looking to replace two of its trucks
INCREASED risk of mechanical breakdown, availability of parts and age are some of the reasons Guernsey Airport is looking to replace its fire service tenders.
Two of the current 6x6 vehicles were supplied by a French manufacturer in 2010 and another was from a UK manufacturer in 1998.
‘Regardless of appliance size, the Airport Fire Service has a clearly defined minimum response time for any incident, which is set out both by the Civil Aviation Authority in the UK and by International Civil Aviation Organization – the United Nations agency that is responsible for civil aviation globally,’ said fire service manager for Guernsey and Alderney airports, Thomas De Carteret.
‘These response times have to be met.’
‘In the past, our current appliances have seen action in putting out fires on aircraft, and dealing with major incidents on or near airport grounds.’
Appliances have provided additional support to other emergencies such as the scrapyard fire at Bulwer Avenue in August 2018.
Jersey made the decision to move from the six-wheeled 32-tonne truck to ‘considerably smaller’ £400,000 Izurri Toro 4x4 fire engines last year.
‘Whichever appliance size is chosen, we have asked tenderers to ensure their appliances meet key international criteria set out by the UK Civil Aviation Authority and International Civil Aviation Organization.
‘This will range from the quantity of water/environmentally friendly foam the tender carries, the provision of dry powder for aviation related fuels, and other specialist equipment in the vehicle,’ Mr De Carteret said.
‘Due to the size of Guernsey’s road network, any new appliances must be capable of being driven on local roads if required.’
Both the Guernsey and Jersey Airport Fire and Rescue Services share best practice whenever possible, and are in regular dialogue with one another regarding operational developments.
‘We have seen the technical specifications of the new 4x4 appliance bought by the Ports of Jersey for use at Jersey Airport in 2018.
‘The Fire Service has noted its operational capability, and its running costs for Jersey Airport.’
As the tendering process is not yet complete, a Guernsey Airport spokesperson said it would be inappropriate to comment on costings and whether a 4x4 solution, selected by the Ports of Jersey, is an option for Guernsey at this stage.
‘However all options are being considered for this important procurement.’
