Ref: FOI/17117
RE: FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000 REQUEST
I am writing to confirm that the West Midlands Fire Service has now completed its search for the information you requested on 5th November 2017.
Please find below a summary of our findings.
Request
I am writing about the use of smaller firefighting vehicles. I understand that West Midlands Fire Service operates a number of smaller vehicles which include Toyota Hilux and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
I would like to know if these vehicles are still in service and if not the reasons why and have they been replaced.
Reply
Toyota Hilux and Mercedes-Benz are still in service
Request
Also I would like to know who the vehicle conversion manufacturer was.
Reply
Toyota Hilux BRV’s – Pick Up Systems Ltd
Mercedes-Benz – Tech Rescue- by JDC Ltd
Mercedes Benz – Detection, Investigate and Monitor (DIM) – Bott Ltd
Mercedes Benz Support standard no modifications
Request
How many firefighters crew these vehicles
Reply
Toyota Hilux (BRV) – 3
Mercedes -Benz Support Vehicle – 1 to maximum recommended by manufacture.
Mercedes Benz Tech Rescue Vehicle – 1 to 6 depending on incident
Mercedes Benz Detection, Investigate and Monitor (DIM) – 1 or 2 depending on type of incident.
Request
What equipment they carry
Reply
Please see attached.
Request
What types of incidents they attend, the size of the area they cover.
Reply
We do not mobilise according to cover area but by time to get to an incident, (nearest appliance). Certain incidents that only require the attendance of a BRV i.e. bin fire require an attendance time of 20 minutes, AFA 10 minutes, therefore the nearest BRV will be mobilised.
BRVs attend all types of incidents either alone or in support of a PRL except the below;
- Motorways
- Aircraft Incidents
- Civil Disturbances
- All Haz Mats incidents including Radiation and COMAH sites
- Lift Incidents
- Large Animal Incidents
- Chimney Fires
- Railway Incidents inc Midland Metro
- Water Relay.
Mercedes Benz – Tech Rescue.
Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) are mobilised to the following incidents:
Open area search
Collapsed structures
Water rescue/flood rescue
Rope rescue
Large animal rescue
Bariatric rescue
Chainsaw
Heavy vehicle rescue
Body recovery
Confined space
Mercedes Benz – DIM
Haz Mats incidents only.
Mercedes Benz – Support
Used for general support duties.
Request
If they suffered any problems which took them out of service, what were the problems.
Reply
We are not aware of any specific re-occurring problem. If we was to check each vehicle record that would exceed the appropriate limit for the request and therefore attached a fee notice for consideration, if you would like list of problems which took the vehicles out of service.
If you have any queries about this email, please contact me. Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications. If you are unhappy with the service you have received in relation to your request and wish to make a complaint or request a review of our decision please write to The Public Relations Department, West Midlands Fire Service, 99 Vauxhall Road, Birmingham, B7 4HW
Further information concerning Freedom of Information requests can be found on the Information Commissioner website at either the following link: https://ico.org.uk/ or at Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AF.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
