ROYAL Berkshire Fire Authority (RBFA) has approved plans to invest in new training facilities and fleet, which will see the refurbishment of its Whitley Wood training centre.
Over the next three years, eight of its front line vehicles will also be replaced in an overhaul worth approximately £6 million, as part of the RFBA’s 10-year Strategic Asset Investment Framework.
The Whitley Wood training centre provides a critical role in the development of operational staff and approval of its refurbishment meaning detailed plans can now be developed in line with the service’s needs and consideration of residents.
Cllr Jeff Brooks, chair of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, said: “This investment is a clear signal that the Fire Authority remains fully committed to maintaining an effective response for the residents of Royal Berkshire.
“An improved training centre and replacement of frontline vehicles will ensure that our firefighters are very well prepared and equipped for their vital roles. I look forward to seeing our plans realised and helping to keep our residents and visitors to the County safe.”
In 2015, a review of the fleet identified that the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) had the second oldest fire appliance fleet amongst English fire and rescue services.
It also initiated the development of the RBFRS Fleet Strategy, which outlined the medium to long-term replacement profile for all vehicles within the service.
Mark Arkwell, deputy chief fire officer, said: “The progress made since 2015 has been considerable, transforming our frontline appliance fleet into one we can be proud of.
“We welcome the Fire Authority’s commitment to investing in our response capability for the long-term. Our communities should be confident that they will continue to be well protected in the event of an emergency.”
The additional vehicles will be added to the 19 modern frontline appliances which have already been sent to Berkshire, as part of the collaborative Thames Valley approach with Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Services.
Over the same period, RBFRS has invested in a new Aerial Ladder Platform, enhanced its off-road firefighting and water rescue capabilities and more recently taken delivery of its first hybrid and electric vehicles.
The new fire engines will be built by Emergency One Ltd on Volvo FL 42R chassis and, as before, will include a standardised inventory across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
Five cars and vans will also be replaced over the next year.
