Cork County Council has expanded its fire service fleet with three new vehicles.

The new fire engines will serve the communities of Fermoy, Carrigaline, Skibbereen and surrounding areas.

Each state-of-the-art fire engine can accommodate eight crew, has an integrated body, an 1,800-litre water tank and comes fitted with a water and compressed air foam pumping system. The appliances also carry a set of ladders capable of reaching up 13.5m in height.

Welcoming the new additions, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Danny Collins said: "These new appliances will greatly support the invaluable work of our fire personnel, allowing them to access the latest technology while benefitting from the most up to date safety features. Our brigades in Fermoy, Carrigaline and Skibbereen will be better supported in protecting their communities, as well as providing assistance to their neighbouring stations when called upon."

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Fermoy's new appliance will be designated the call sign 'Charlie-Kilo-Two-Five-Alpha-One' (CK25A1) and will be the first turnout appliance in the station. The station is also equipped with another special Emergency Tender appliance to assist with road traffic collisions on the M8 Motorway.

Carrigaline's new Class B fire appliance designated CK35A1, will be the first turn out appliance for the station. The specialist Incident Command Unit is also located in Carrigaline along with a second Class B fire appliance.

Skibbereen's new engine will replace a 2003 appliance that was put into service when the new station on Marsh Road was opened in 2003. Another Class B fire appliance is also stationed in Skibbereen which has a firefighting crew of 10 and attends approximately 90 incidents per annum.

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey added: "Cork County Fire Stations in Fermoy, Carrigaline and Skibbereen serve a combined population of 70,000 people and respond to circa 400 calls each year. Our crews in these areas cover a number of towns and villages, as well as large commercial premises, manufacturing plants, pharmaceutical industries, a deep-water port and the M8 motorway. These three new appliances will facilitate the work of our firefighters, ensuring they are well equipped to respond to emergencies with the very latest in modern fire-fighting technology."