SUMMER is on the way, bringing with it the threat of fires. Buffalo City could be swept by ravaging fires, leaving thousands desolate and homeless. But the City's red brigade has come up with a solution which could keep the flames away.

The municipality has acquired four new 4x4 Land Rover bush firefighting vehicles worth R2,2-million. These smaller engines will allow firefighters to get to unfriendly terrain and areas where trucks can't go because of their size.

"They will be used to respond to bushfires and blazes in rural areas, residential areas and informal settlements," said the acting chief of the East London fire department, Malcolm Galvin.

The new additions to the fleet will help firefighters in battling the approximately 3 500 infernos they encounter each year in the city. Galvin said the vehicles would be deployed in four stations, namely King William's Town, Mdantsane, Gompo and Vincent.

According to the portfolio head for health and public safety, Rufus Rwexu, it is necessary to station the engines in these areas. "These communities need vehicles because they have problems with fires and now they can see we mean business when it comes to protecting them," he said.

General manager for public safety, Steve Terwin, said the capabilities of the 4x4s were superior to their predecessors. "These are replacements for the older vehicles. The new double cabs can seat a full crew of four firefighters whereas the old ones could only take two."

Their ground clearances allowed them to access relentless bush areas.

Galvin elaborated on the 4x4s' potential, saying they could double the output of water compared to the older fleet. "They have two hose reels as compared to one on the older 4x4s. They can carry 500 litres of water and put out 70 litres per minute."

Though the fire engines carry an increased water capacity, the department did consider the recent drought in the city before buying them. Galvin said the vehicles came with the latest pump technology, which ensured water was used sparingly.

"It uses water wisely. It has a foam tank which adds a wetting agent called class A foam so it has better extinguishing ability. The water is atomised so it is finer and therefore absorbs more heat," he added.

The City will also be adding more resources to the firefighters' arsenal; it will receive two more large fire engines by the end of October and two new firefighting helicopters.