Bedfordshire & Luton Fire and Rescue Service (BLFRS) joined
forces with the Airfield Voluntary Fire Service at Old Warden
Aerodrome on 6 th June when two fire appliances were handed over at
the start of the D Day air display.
Ray Willett, Transport Manager of BLFRS, explained that the 4
wheel drive fire appliances were 20 years old and had become
obsolete for use in today's modern fire and rescue service that
needed to respond swiftly to incidents countywide and beyond.
However the appliances are ideal for use at Old Warden where
they will become part of the Voluntary Fire Service, with the added
advantage of being able to reach incidents across rough terrain,
such as wooded areas.
Councillor Sian Timoney, Chair of Bedfordshire and Luton
Combined Fire Authority (CFA), said:
“The CFA get a lot of requests from different organisations,
businesses and charities who want our old appliances. The CFA
is keen for them to go to local groups so they can benefit local
communities. We are delighted that we have been able to hand
over these two fire appliances to the Voluntary Fire Service at Old
Warden Aerodrome.”
“Our focus is to keep fire appliances in local communities and
with charitable organisations.”
Chief Fire Officer Paul Fuller of Bedfordshire and Luton Fire
and Rescue Service (BLFRS) added:
“BLFRS is delighted to support the high level of commitment of
the crew at Old Warden Aerodrome. It is good to see both
services working together with the same aim of protecting the
public whether at home, work or taking part in flying displays such
as the D Day Air Display
today.”
The Airfield Voluntary Fire Service is a charitable
organization under the umbrella of the Civil Aviation Authority,
who regularly check that exacting standards are being met.
The nature of aviation incidents means that response times
need to be 2-3 minutes. Also trained in trauma care, the
voluntary team can reach people who may be taken ill in the crowds
that throng to the Air Displays and events.
The 25 strong volunteer operational and support team come from
a wide range of professions including Social Workers, Police
Officers and Retained Firefighters, who train at Biggleswade and
Sandy Fire Stations, and Luton Airport.
Old Warden Aerodrome is part of the Shuttleworth Collection of
historic aircraft and vehicles.