Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service unveil a new Uniform, wait that's not the story

Warks Fire Rescue New Kit

There are places that bloggers can reach where others cannot (just yet). Something's not quite uniform.

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue have a new kit, there was a press release yesterday from the WCC website: Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service unveil new kit!. Within that text, there was a photo and a link to a YouTube video (but no title or the video) and a further link to the @warksfirerescue twitter account.

At 3.20pm (23 May) came this tweet from @warksfirerescue: Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service launch New Fire Kit.http://tinyurl.com/3nt2dgw. See them in action athttp://tinyurl.com/3olusok and then another tweet at 4.18pm from @wcc_news Photo: Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service launch new fire kit. http://twitpic.com/51jfch

So, can we have the photo, the text and the video all in one place - yes we can. It's now Blogged.

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service unveil new kit!

Monday 23rd May, 2011 

Warwickshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service are launching its new fire kit, showing ‘it’s firefighting, but not as we know it!’

The gold coloured personal protective equipment (PPE) with its sci-fi looking heat reflective visor, replaces the dark blue uniforms residents are used to seeing. The new design has been created to withstand the toughest environments and to recognise the extreme conditions in which PPE is worn. The new kit includes helmet, heat reflecting visor, gloves, boots, tunic and trousers. 

Chief Fire Officer Graeme Smith said:

“Firefighter safety is one of our top priorities and whilst the new kit may look a little different, it will provide our firefighters with the very latest in PPE technology, ensuring that they are protected against some the most extreme environments. The tunics consist of three protective layers – an inner thermal barrier, a moisture barrier and an outer material that is tougher and more flame resistant.”

The uniforms were bought as part of a national procurement strategy which was established by the ODPM (now Department for the Communities) in 2005. This project has allowed fire and rescue services across the country to invest to standardise national specifications and maximise procurement savings.

Cllr Richard Hobbs, Portfolio Holder for Community Protection, said

“I think the new fire kit looks great. Obviously I am pleased that we have been able to procure such a good deal nationally via the Firebuy project, whilst at the same time providing our firefighters with a high quality fire kit which will allow them to work more effectively even when exposed to hostile conditions such as fire and floods.”

In addition to the new fire kit, the service has also invested in more thermal image cameras which help firefighters see through smoke to identify the source of a fire and powerful torches with LED technology. See the uniforms on-line at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3EM18XGhPU

For more information on Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service please log onto www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fireandrescue or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/warksfirerescue