FIREFIGHTERS in Warwickshire will be able to limit the damage caused to the environment during incidents such as chemical spills thanks to a state-of-the-art new piece of equipment.

The new Environmental Protection Unit – an adapted sprinter van containing a range of equipment including inflatable drain blockers and hazardous substance pumps – has been jointly funded by the Environment Agency and Warwickshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service.

The vehicle will be based in Alcester and will be called out to incidents across the county threatening the environment and wildlife.

Gary Tarling from the Environment Agency said: “It’s great that we have been able to work closely with Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service to commission this new EPU.

“These vehicles have already proved their worth in other parts of the country and are crucial where a rapid response is required.

“They are equipped with all the kit needed to deal with a wide variety of pollution incidents, so the fire service having this available to them on scene means they can prevent pollutants from entering and causing an impact on the environment.”