New Fire Engine for Rushden

Power Adapted for Driving and Pumping

Equipped for Fires in High Buildings

  The illustration on this page is of the Dennis 250-gallon turbine fire-engine (latest model) which the Rushden Urban Council decided last week to purchase.  The turbine pump will be a very valuable acquisition to the Rushden Fire Brigade equipment and a further encouragement to the already enthusiastic and efficient members.  This fire-engine is self-propelled, and the power used for driving the engine to the scene of the fire can instantly be transferred to the pumping.  The turbine is a distinct advance on models designed a few years ago, particularly in its compactness, light weight, and remarkable efficiency. A very great advantage of the turbine is that it is very simple to operate. All the members of the Brigade will undoubtedly quickly acquire a good working knowledge of the motor, so as to be able to use it in the shortest possible time at fire calls without having to wait for any particular member.

  Rushden people who watched the demonstration in Home Close recently were enthusiastic at the effect. Although several lengths of hose were laid some hundreds of yards or more uphill in the field, water from an inch jet was easily thrown from the nozzle some 80 or more feet higher than that. The force of the water from the jet was seen, too, in the way in which it

BROKE AWAY SMALL BRANCHES

of the tree in Home Close. Tests with varying numbers and sizes of jets were made, and all were regarded by the Brigade officers and ex-Brigade members present as highly satisfactory.  It was seen that six jets could be used at once, all with sufficient “throw” for a four-storeyed building.  Rushden has some tall factories, one of which is in the highest part of the town, where the pressure of town water is rather poor.  The Dennis motor fire-engine was regarded by the Rushden officials who watched the test as being well capable of meeting all the needs of the town and district.  It is not to be wondered at that the firm have supplied the London Fire Brigade with more than 130 fire-engines.  In addition, the firm have supplied brigades all over the country, many towns in the Dominions, Spain, Hong-King, Poland, etc.

  The engine develops 33 to 36 horse-power, the petrol tank holding ten gallons.  The water circulation is assured by gear-driven pump and by-pass from the main pump, the overflow being fitted under the radiator.  As the motor is driven along the road it is capable of a speed of 33 miles per hour along the level and will climb a one-in-six hill with full load.  The pump is provided with two delivery outlet fittings and adapters to suit standard hose couplings as used by the Brigade.  The output is 225 gallons per minute at 120lb. pressure per square inch, and up to 350 gallons per minute at lower pressures.

  It will be remembered that the Higham Ferrers Town Council at their last meeting had before them the suggestion of Captain A. Sudborough of subsidising the Rushden Fire Brigade in order to be prepared to deal with the worst type of fire, Captain Sudborough having seen the Dennis demonstration.