New Fire Appliance for Moorland Fires

Reporter: Ask Rossendale
Date online: 17/04/2008

A remarkable all terrain fire engine, the Softrak, has joined the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service fleet. The vehicle is a lightweight, rubber-tracked vehicle that will be a a hugely effective asset in tackling fires in off-road situations, such as woods and moorlands.
County Councillor Shelagh Derwent - a member of Lancashire Combined Fire Authority said: " Protection of the environment is a high priority for the Service, as well as lifesaving and the prevention of injury. The Softrak will help reduce response times and the duration of the incident, and make a considerable impact in protecting the environment."

Around 70% of all heather moorland in the world is in Britain. Lancashire has extensive moorland areas, primarily in the east and south of the county. Grass and heather will grow again after a fire, but often the underlying peat is destroyed, and the eco-system compromised.

Fire fighters in Lancashire have dealt with 125 moorland fires since January 2003. Chief Fire Office, Peter Holland says: " Softrak takes firefighters and equipment right up to the fire, however remote and muddy the terrain, taking steep gradients and muddy conditions in its stride, and with minimal disturbance to the ground it travels over, thanks to its compact design and low centre of gravity.