Fighting Welsh Fire

Akron Hose Reel and Branch

Maximum branch operating pressure 40 bar. Optimum flow is achieved with 7 bar at the branch inlet. This branch is not to be used on electrical fires. Branch operates on a trigger mechanism with a hand guard. Branch should always be operated either full on, or fully off. There is a flow selector on the body of the branch. The branch has many nossle settings which allow for direct attack or wide defensive firefighting. The hosereel itself is 3x20m Lengths on both sides of the appliance. The mcdonald coupling is used and allows for easy splitting of lengths. This allows for all 120m of hose to be used on one branch if distance is required.

70mm Hose

70mm hose is the backbone of the welsh fireservice. This piece of equipment is used on most firegrounds in some aspect. The diameter of the hose is 70mm and consists of a webbed warped and weft design. Dry the hose weighs about 10KG, when charged with water the weight changes dramatically to around 90KG. The hose comes in 25m lengths and features a simple coupling design allowing many hoses to be joined together in quick succession. This coupling design is also outfitted on all equipment and appliances that require connection.

Angus Branch

Maximum branch operating pressure 14 bars. Optimum flow is achieved with 7 bar at the branch inlet. At pressure below 7 bar the branch will deliver reduced flow - adequate flows and pressure should be maintained for relevant fire conditions. Sudden opening or closing of the shut-off valve can cause water hammer and damage to the supply hose or coupling. For use with water and fire fighting foam only. The branch is not to be used on electrical fires. The flow rate can be set via an easy grip ring on the body to one of 4 pre-set positions. There is multiple spray patterns available and an extra wide pattern for optimum protection of the user.

Fire Axe

The fire service Fire Axe head weighs about 8lbs and the handle is made from fiber glass. The axe length is 36inches or 40cm. The Fire Axe comes with a flat backed head allowing it to be used in conjunction with other tooling such as the halligan or chocks. It is both functional as a rapid entry tool as well as can be used for other purposes such as propping open doors and for securing entryways. The fire axe is a old and still invaluble tool in the world of firefighting.

Halligan Bar

The halligan bar is a very useful forceful entry tool. It can be used for hitting, puncturing and prying materials with ease. The tool is designed to allow for rapidy entry to properties without exessive physical strain on the user. It is designed with balanced weight in mind as well as having very high mechanical leverage. The halligan tool is drop forged strainless steel meaning it is designed and forged from one singular steel bar. The head and claw are both heat treated to allow for maximum strength. The halligan tool can also be used in conjunction with other tooling such as a sledge hammer, fire axe or additional halligan tools.

Thermal Imaging Camera

The Thermal Imaging Camera is a battery operated camera that provides thermal images which re then outputted on a build in monitor. The thermal imaging camera is essential in firefighting operations allowing you to both see the travel of heat externally and allow a much clearer picture when internal with regards to a structure fire. The TIC has mutliple modes such as fire, overhaul, inspection, missing persons; as well as the ability to measure up to 1100 celcius. The TIC also has a recording functionality allowing fire crews to preserve visual data of a fire for further inspection by fire investigation specialists even after the fire is out.

Nightsearcher Torch

The Nightsearcher Torch is a LED battery powered torch. It operates using 4x AA batteries with in the torches handle. The torches are used by all individuals on a fire ground during low light conditions and have proven to be invaluble during night time searching operations. The torch as two modes full beam and lower beam to allow easier directing of fire appliances without blinding the driver. The torch is not rated as intrinsically safe therefor is unable to be used in potentially flammable environments. The torch weighs 250g and comes with a clip on the back allowing it to be hooked onto a firefighters tunic for ease of carrying.

Standpipe Key and Bar

The Standpipe Key and Bar is used to gain below ground access to water hydrants by fire service personnel. The standpipe is a twin head variant allowing it to run 2x70m delivery hoses from one source. There is swivel handles placed on the head of the standpipe to allow easier connection to the hydrent outlet. The head has a swivel coupling allowing it to be rotated as needed to run hose in a more efficent direction when required. The bar is utilised as a key to turn on the hydrant and comes with a smaller bar with in it to allow you to rotate the key opening the mechanism underneath. The standpipe is a large hazard in regards to the risk of water hammer occuring.