BELFAST FIRE SERVICE

FIRE ENGINE ERZ 9062 VOLVO FM-330 SRT SRP

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) is the sole fire and rescue service covering all of Northern Ireland. As of 2017, it operated a fleet of various fire appliances, including the Volvo FM-330 SRT SRP (Specialist Rescue Pump) like the one I photographed with the registration number ERZ 9062.

History of the NIFRS:

1800: Organised firefighting began in Belfast with the establishment of the Belfast Borough Police, who also handled firefighting duties.

19th century: Firefighting units were separated from the police to form the Belfast Fire Brigade.

World War II: Northern Ireland's various local fire services were amalgamated into one, separate from the National Fire Service that covered the rest of the UK.

Post-war: The service was split into the Belfast Fire Brigade (covering the city) and the Northern Ireland Fire Authority (covering the rest of Northern Ireland).

1973: The two services were merged to form the Northern Ireland Fire Brigade.

2006: The service was renamed to the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.

Equipment:

The NIFRS utilises a wide array of modern firefighting equipment, including:

Fire Appliances: Various types of fire engines, including the Volvo FM-330 SRT SRP, are used to transport firefighters and equipment to incidents. These appliances are equipped with pumps, hoses, ladders, and other firefighting tools. The Volvo FM-330 SRT SRP is a specialist appliance designed for complex rescue operations, carrying specialised equipment for extrication, stabilisation, and medical care.

Specialist Appliances: The NIFRS also operates specialised appliances for specific types of incidents, such as aerial ladder platforms, water tankers, and rescue vehicles.

Protective Gear: Firefighters are equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE), including helmets, fire-resistant suits, boots, and breathing apparatus, to ensure their safety.

Changes since 2017:

While specific changes to the Belfast station are not publicly available, the NIFRS continuously evolves its fleet and equipment to incorporate the latest technologies and improve efficiency and safety. The Volvo FM-330 SRT SRP you photographed, built by Browns and with the call sign Romeo Tango 190, is an example of this commitment to modern, specialised equipment.

It's worth noting that the NIFRS has faced challenges in recent years, including budget constraints and staff shortages. However, the service remains committed to providing a high level of fire and rescue services to the people of Northern Ireland.

The Volvo FM-330 SRT SRP (Specialist Rescue Pump) with registration number ERZ-9062, built by Browns, and call sign Romeo Tango 190 is a specific type of fire appliance used by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS).

Specialist Rescue Pump (SRP): These appliances are designed for complex rescue operations, often involving road traffic collisions or industrial accidents. They carry specialised equipment for extrication, stabilisation, and medical care.

Volvo FM-330: This model is known for its robust construction and powerful engine, making it suitable for demanding rescue situations.

Browns: A well-regarded manufacturer of fire appliances, known for their quality and innovation.

Romeo Tango 190: This call sign likely indicates the appliance's station and its specific role within the NIFRS fleet.