Union bans use of new fire engines

Auckland firefighters are refusing to use the 11 modern Fraser-MAN fire engines in their fleet after the pump of one lost pressure during a house blaze.

Firefighters were inside a burning house in Manurewa on Friday when the incident happened, the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Professional Firefighters’ Union said.

‘‘The consequences could have been serious, as it meant water could not be pumped while firefighters wearing breathing apparatus carried out their overhaul,’’ the union said.

‘‘Fortunately, firefighters had completed their search of the home when the flow of water reduced to a trickle. Crews were able to safely withdraw from danger.’’

It is not the first time concerns have been raised about the vehicles, with an Auckland fire engine carrying the jaws of life rescue equipment being blacked by firefighters last August.

The union said yesterday a ‘‘leaked’’ photo of the Fire Service workshop in Otahuhu showed six of the engines ‘‘abandoned on a concrete pad’’. ’’A further three, out of order, sit deserted behind the fence.’’

‘‘At the time, two remaining trucks based at Grey Lynn and Remuera fire stations were having to be backed up by neighbouring stations running older but demonstrably more reliable appliances.’’

Auckland branch vice-president Boyd Raines said the vehicles had a ‘‘myriad of electrical faults’’. The risk to firefighters and the public was too great.

’’Auckland firefighters have completely lost faith in these Fraser-MAN appliances. The incident on Friday eroded the last vestiges of trust our members had in these vehicles.’’

The Fire Service ordered 47 of the new MAN engines, with a price tag of more than $20 million. They started entering service in early 2015. – Fairfax NZ