Discussion
Anyone know what the top speed of a modern fire engine is? Also are they restricted in terms of safe road speeds compared to the other services due to the size / weight? I only ask because one came past on the motorway making good progress and I thought I'd never really seen them going fast before, this one wasn't even on blues. I remember seeing one leave tyre rubber round a roundabout which was kinda cool!
vrsmxtb said:
Anyone know what the top speed of a modern fire engine is? Also are they restricted in terms of safe road speeds compared to the other services due to the size / weight? I only ask because one came past on the motorway making good progress and I thought I'd never really seen them going fast before, this one wasn't even on blues. I remember seeing one leave tyre rubber round a roundabout which was kinda cool!
I doubt they are limited. I suspect its left to the drivers better judgement.
Most fire engines are just standard lorrys with "fire engine" bodywork attached; the only specialist chassis's are made by Dennis.
Top speed? Probably about 85 on a good day, restricted normally to 62 and will only go faster under blue lights.
8 tons of water? No, try 1.8 (1800 litres).
Speed under blue lights? Most services "drive to arrive" so will only exceed posted limits by 50% i.e 30 in a 20, 45 in a 30, 60 in a 40 etc. For a known false alarm they will normally proceed at speed limit only.
23 years in the FRS; happy to help.
Top speed? Probably about 85 on a good day, restricted normally to 62 and will only go faster under blue lights.
8 tons of water? No, try 1.8 (1800 litres).
Speed under blue lights? Most services "drive to arrive" so will only exceed posted limits by 50% i.e 30 in a 20, 45 in a 30, 60 in a 40 etc. For a known false alarm they will normally proceed at speed limit only.
23 years in the FRS; happy to help.
Edited by Rubin215 on Sunday 7th August 00:00
Shaw Tarse said:
1800 litres of water swishing around, can't be easy to drive?
I would imagine the tank/s are baffled similar to a fuel tanker.http://www.wiltsfire.gov.uk/About_Us/Brigade_Appli...
Only 250 BHP? I thought it would have been a lot more!
I'm a driver for north yorkshire fire and rescue. I drive a 52 plate volvo and it's top speed is 75mph. I agree with rubin on the speeds fire fighters will do.
Water quantities do vary though. We carry 1800 litres but if we cross over the border into lancashire. They only carry around 900 litres. This is due to the theory they're in cities and closer to hydrants.
Newer pumps are limited unless on blue lights.
Our pump is 260bhp but it doesn't hang around with such little bhp.
I have to say though. It's bloody good fun living in the yorkshire dales driving one of these.
Water quantities do vary though. We carry 1800 litres but if we cross over the border into lancashire. They only carry around 900 litres. This is due to the theory they're in cities and closer to hydrants.
Newer pumps are limited unless on blue lights.
Our pump is 260bhp but it doesn't hang around with such little bhp.
I have to say though. It's bloody good fun living in the yorkshire dales driving one of these.
Shaw Tarse said:
1800 litres of water swishing around, can't be easy to drive?
Pretty stable I believe - until you go beyond the limits of adhesion...... 
When they staged a crash with one on one of the soaps (Eastenders?) they had quite a job making it unstable enough to turn over apparently.
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