Ilkley Fire Station has taken delivery of a new MAN 4x4 rural fire appliance as part of West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s fleet replacement programme.
The appliance is designed to enhance firefighter safety, increase operational capability across rural incidents and better protect crews from contamination while they work.
The new appliance features a full clean cab with breathing apparatus stored in body lockers, safer stowage locker design with increased capacity for PPE and equipment, and a larger 2,000-litre water tank. Upgrades also include improved output via 22mm hose reels replacing the previous 19mm reels, a redesigned pump bay with an upgraded control panel, and an enhanced driver environment and cab control interface for easier use on call-outs. These changes aim to reduce contamination risk for crews, speed up equipment access and improve firefighting effectiveness in variety of rural scenarios.
Opened in February 1975 and located on Little Lane, Ilkley Fire Station is crewed by 14 dedicated on-call firefighters who balance their emergency duties with other primary employments, ranging from full-time firefighters at other stations to roles such as teachers and communications engineers.
On-call crew receive mobile notifications and have five minutes to reach the station, don their kit and respond. The new appliance will directly support these rapid-response expectations while offering greater protection and usability for the team.
Watch Commander Jamie Thompson, a paramedic in his main job and a member of Ilkley’s crew for 13 years, said:
“Joining Ilkley on-call in 2013 was one of the best decisions I’ve made. The training is challenging but rewarding, and the crew bring real experience and commitment. This new appliance helps us do our jobs better and keeps us safer when we are called out to protect our community.”
Ilkley Fire Station is actively recruiting new on-call firefighters. Residents and workers who can reach the station within a five-minute drive and are looking for a new challenge are encouraged to apply. On-call roles offer the chance to serve the local community while keeping existing employment.
For recruitment enquiries or more information visit: https://oncall.joinwyfirefighters.com/, contact Ilkley Fire Station on 01943 607970 or message the Ilkley Fire Station Facebook page.
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