Firefighters may get their own helicopter

Essex Fire and Rescue Service is considering taking to the skies in response to growing congestion caused by new homes and businesses in the county.

Officials say more than 100,000 new homes, Thames Gateway developments and the 2012 Olympics will put pressure on an already strained road network. One solution would be for the fire service to become the first in England to get a chopper.

Essex Fire Authority vice-chairman, Southend councillor, Ann Holland, said: "With congestion on the roads, being able to get to places as quickly as possible is one of the reasons behind it.

"The fire authority hasn't approved it yet, but we all thought it was a great idea.

"It would be a good move forward. If major roads get blocked, it causes a huge problem. This is thinking outside the box about ways to improve the service."

Assistant chief fire officer Gordon Hunter confirmed the service was investigating the possibility, though details of the cost and how it might be operated remain unclear.

In the USA, helicopters, are used to get heavy rescue equipment to accident scenes quickly so victims can be freed without delay.

San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, in California, USA, bought its first full-time fire-rescue helicopter in July 2005. The aircraft has a 375-gallon water tank which is used for putting out forest fires.

As well as its bush fire capabilities, the helicopter is also used for air-hoist and offshore rescues, fires in high-rise buildings, animal rescue, disaster assessment and as an air ambulance.

The idea of using such a machine in Essex is part of a new review of operations being carried out by the fire and rescue service.

The review aims to make sure the whole county gets adequate cover in the future.

The Essex Police helicopter costs about £2.5 million a year to fly - half of which is met by the Home Office.

The Essex Air Ambulance's chopper costs a similar amount - paid for by charitable donations and fundraising.