Kit allows firefighters to stay cool under pressure

Todmorden fire fighters Craig Hartley and Yannis Kiriakos with new moorland fire fighting equipment.

The crews at Todmorden Fire Station have just received new lightweight clothing that will enable them to stay comfortable and cooler in the heat of battle, whilst staying in the field for longer.

Todmorden watch commander Geoff Shaw has welcomed the arrival of the kit and - as they approach their busiest time of the year in terms of numbers of moorland fires - said it will allow firefighters to be more efficient.

“The new kit makes firefighting that little bit easier, especially when we’re dealing with temperatures like we’ve been experiencing recently,” he said.

“If we’re cooler, we’re more efficient and less likely to suffer heat exhaustion.”

The kit has been supplied to the three wildfire stations in West Yorkshire - Todmorden, Keighley and Holmfirth, and its arrival coincides with the start of the school holidays which is one of the busiest times of the year for grass and moor fires, said Mr Shaw.

“We’d ask everybody to be extra vigilant on the moors at this time of year,” he said.

“With temperatures soaring, the grasses and heathers are particularly dry, so please don’t smoke, light fires or barbecues, and take your rubbish home with you.

“If you see smoke on the moors, please dial 999 immediately.”