Fife’s firefighters are to be equipped with high pressure lances capable of blasting through walls and dousing burning buildings from outside.
Coldcut is on its way to the kingdom and is expected to be in use soon by retained firefighters at St Monans Fire Station.
The ultra-high pressure lances can penetrate solid concrete and steel and enable crews to inject a fire suppressant.
They prevent firefighters having to enter burning buildings to extinguish fires and are already used by fire and rescue services in 45 countries around the world.
The technology will be carried by 40 brand new purpose-built fire appliances for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, one of which will be sent to St Monans.
It is part of a £7.6 million investment by the service in the safety of the country’s most diverse, rural and remote communities.
Group manager for prevention and protection in Fife, Steven Michie, said Coldcut was state-of-the-art technology and added: “It is an exciting time for Fife to be receiving this appliance.”
Chief Officer Alasdair Hay said: “This proven firefighting technology means our crews can begin firefighting within seconds of arriving by cutting straight to the heart of the fire.
“Retained and volunteer firefighters are the most amazing people, dedicated to protecting their communities and it is right and proper that we provide them with the best tools for the job.
“The current operating model makes it difficult for us to ensure the availability of resources in rural areas.
“This new technology, combined with the state-of-the-art fire appliances and a more flexible crewing model will improve that availability – and create safer communities in the process.”
The bespoke appliances, built by Scottish firm Emergency One, can carry up to four firefighters.
After a demonstration in Portlethen Community Safety Minister and Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Annabelle Ewing said: “I was happy to have the opportunity to witness a live demonstration of these new firefighting appliances and technologies which will improve both firefighter and community safety at the same time as delivering environmental benefits.
“This investment will help SFRS to better meet the needs of rural communities, provide greater flexibility and significantly extend the Service’s firefighting capability.”
