ZFPS - Zululand Fire Protection Services

During the dry winter months when aircraft are available they are the first line of attack. Aircraft cannot operate efficiently without adequate ground support. This support must be in the form of trained ground crews equipped with quality equipment.

During the remainder of the year ZFPS utilizes fast attack vehicles (700lt + 3 crew) as the first line of attack. These vehicles are backed up by 2500lt + 5 crew, 5000 + 8 crew tankers and a 13 000lt bulk tanker.

These vehicle and crews are strategically placed with regard to current fire danger weather and remain in contact with the operation center at all times.

An example of what equipment a 5000lt fire tanker carries is as follows:

• 500lt usable water
• 500lt reserve
• Primary water is supplied by a hydraulic pump activated by the driver
• Standby pump is a Davey twin wide impeller pump
• 4 live hose reels each carrying 60 meters of hose
• 2 spare hose reels with 60 meters each
• Dual hand held branches for each hose, one for direct attack and the other for mop up
• A deck mounted cannon
• A fire retardant induction system that can provide retardant enhanced water through all outlets
• 2 high volume hand held foaming branches
• A full live bar system whereby the whole truck can mist spray for protection of crews and vehicle
• Drinking water for crews
• 100 meters of canvas lay flat hose
• 8 fire beaters
• 8 knap sacks
• 8 rake hoes
• Small and large axes
• Bow saw
• Basic tools
• Storage facilities for crew rations and equipment
• Siren and emergency lighting
• Vehicle and hand held radios