THE age of the flying fire engine could be upon us, as Essex Fire Authority considers buying a helicopter.

There is a strong case for a dedicated machine. As Essex fills up with houses and traffic, it would be reassuring to know the fire service could arrive out of the blue, alongside the other emergency services.

The only traffic-beating alternative is the motorbike, hardly the ideal vehicle for responding to a conflagration or a multi-vehicle pile-up.

Add to this the fact these machines have proved their worth in the USA, and the prospect of a big red Essex Fire Service helicopter seems not just logical, but also highly appealing.

There are concerns, of course, over the cost. Members of the fire authority must distance their minds from the glamour associated with choppers and ask objective financial questions.

The whirlybird must not be allowed to drain resources from other aspects of the fire service, or place any yet another burden on local taxpayers. A rigorous costing process is vital.

Still, it would be nice if, at the end of that, they saw fit to station the country's first fire chopper in Essex.