Corsa Supports Fire Investigation and Prevention Work in Cheshire

LUTON, United Kingdom – February 16, 2009: A fleet of 25 Vauxhall Corsas purchased by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service are supporting vital fire investigation and safety work across the County and in the Boroughs of Halton and Warrington.

The cars are being used by staff who carry out fire safety checks, provide on-site visits following incidents, and offer fire prevention advice to business owners.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service covers an area of almost 900 square miles with a population approaching one million and in which there are over 400,000 homes. Staff also visit business and other non-domestic premises, where their work over the last 12 months has resulted in a reduction of 12.5% in the number of fires.

Hayden Day, Transport Manager for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Providing our staff with access to communities across Cheshire and in Halton and Warrington means that they often have to travel considerable distances. It is vital therefore that our vehicles are reliable, energy efficient, economically friendly and comfortable – and the Corsa fits the bill very well.

“Given Vauxhall’s base at Ellesmere Port, the purchase also fulfils the Service’s commitment to supporting local businesses where practical.”

A recent student safety campaign saw two of the Corsa’s playing an important part in raising awareness of the dangers of fire and promoting personal responsibility for safety. Specially commissioned graphics were applied to the vehicles containing a cautionary message and both cars were present, along with staff, during freshers’ weeks at local colleges.

The Corsas were supplied in white paint, making it easy to apply the vinyl graphics and to change them in line with any other seasonal campaigns that the Service might decide to mount.

All are three-door hatchback Corsa Life models with fuel-efficient 1.0 litre petrol engines developing 60 PS and matched to a five-speed gearbox. In the Life model there is a single folding rear seat which meets the need for materials and equipment to be easily carried when required.