Ready for emergency action
THE VOLUNTEERS from the Protección Civil service in Jávea have a new frontline emergency vehicle to help their rapid response to potential natural disasters like fires and floods.
The €72,600 pick-up – packed with equipment and suitable for all terrains – was purchased by the town hall with a subsidy from the provincial government in Alicante, which is increasing the capability of local authorities for fire fighting and prevention.
Fitted with a 600-litre water tank and additional storage for foam, the truck also has a powerful 30hp pumping system to increase water flow from fire hydrants, a steel winch, and a ‘snorkel’ air intake to protect the engine when fording rivers or crossing flooded areas.
In addition, the vehicle has a state-of-the-art communications system connected to the emergency network and also has room to carry hoses, chainsaws, pumps and other equipment.
It is the sixth vehicle in the civil protection fleet in Jávea and makes the volunteer group one of the bestequipped teams in the area.
The team has already become one of the first to be accredited to the official emergcouncillor ency network, allowing it to take part in fire fighting in the area with professionals.
José Vicente Serra, who leads the force, said the vehicle would ‘strengthen the rapid response capability’ of the association, which has around 50 members.
Mayor José Chulvi and Pepa Gisbert, who is responsible for security, agreed the new vehicle was ‘a very important asset’ for the service and the town.
They thanked the group for all its work ‘in fire prevention, emergency response, and now, in this health crisis’.