Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service joins forces with Environment Agency to launch environmental protection units

Jan 15 2010 by Claire Devine, Chester Chronicle

A FIRE service has gone green to help the environment.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has joined forces with the Environment Agency to provide extra protection during incidents.

The service has launched two environmental protection units based at Ellesmere Port and Frodsham fire stations.

They will be sent out to all incidents involving five appliances or to call-outs that pose a risk to heritage sites.

The units incorporate specialist equipment to prevent further damage to the environment and better protect heritage sites.

This is in addition to the environmental grab bags carried on all appliances.

The additional equipment includes a 6,000 litre flexi-tank, inflatable drain blockers, large oil and chemical booms.

Cheshire Fire Authority vice chairman Graham Smith said: “This is yet another example of a successful partnership project that is working to protect the communities, businesses, environment and heritage of Cheshire.

“I would really like to thank the Environment Agency, whose support and funding has been instrumental in delivering this exiting and important project.”

Environment Agency area manager Keith Ashcroft said: “We are delighted to be working with Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service to ensure there is a ‘blue light,’ response to dealing with environmental incidents.

“These state of the art Environment Protection Units contain essential equipment to minimise environmental damage and, together with joint training, will ensure continued protection of the environment in the Cheshire area.”

Firefighters have received special training to be able to utilise the units, which went live in December.