What they do
Terrain Support Vehicles (TSVs) can provide closer support for firefighters on terrain that our larger and heavier appliances can’t reach.
This means they can reach grass fires and wildfires, which are a growing threat in London. But they can also reach other inaccessible locations, ranging from narrow alley ways to muddy paths.
What they offer
These vehicles are purpose-built Isuzu D-Max King Cabs.
They’re equipped with:
- 4x4 off-road capabilities
- capacity to carry 475 litres of water
- technology that allows firefighters to pump water while driving
- wildfire beaters
- two backpack blowers and ear defenders
- misting lance technology
- 30m of 19mm hose reel
How we use Terrain Support Vehicles
These vehicles are strategically positioned at:
- Biggin Hill
- Enfield
- Feltham
- Harold Hill
They are each crewed by one firefighter who is a specially trained off-road driver. Once at the scene of the fire the equipment carried in the vehicle is used by trained crews already in attendance.
The vehicles are sent, or 'mobilised', to incidents with four or more fire engines present, but can also be requested by Incident Commanders. Control Commanders can also decide to send a Terrain Support Vehicle to an incident based on the information they receive from initial 999 calls.
How Terrain Support Vehicles are used to tackle wildfires
Backpack blowers
Backpack blowers work just like leaf blowers. They allow firefighters to push flames back into already burnt areas. This is a tactic that provides a faster, more efficient attack on wildfires.
Wildfire beaters
A wildfire beater is made of a long handle with a flat piece of rubber at the end. They’re used to beat the flames, which deprives them of oxygen and cools them down.
Misting lance technology
Misting lances look similar to jet washers. The misting branch creates fine droplets of water that absorb heat from a fire quicker and more efficiently. They’re used to help suppress fires.
Take a look at our video below to find out more about these impressive vehicles.
A closer look at our Terrain Support Vehicles.