NORTH Yorkshire's top fire officer has said the recent flooding catastrophes have highlighted the need to replace fire appliances more regularly.

And Eric Clark, chief fire officer in North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, was today due to visit a fire engine manufacturer as the search for new appliances begins.

He was due to see new equipment, possibly with a view to buying, along with an operations officer and several fire authority members.

Mr Clark highlighted the need to replace equipment more frequently at the October fire authority meeting.

He said the many hours of use for appliances during the flooding, when they worked at maximum capacity for long periods, did result in a number of breakdowns and increased maintenance costs - though over 99 per cent of the frontline fleet was kept in service.

The service currently has a policy of replacing three appliances a year.

Service spokesman Terry Glover said: "The buying process is at a very early stage. Mr Clark would prefer to replace five appliances a year if he could, but obviously there are restraints.

"They will no doubt visit several manufacturers before any decisions are made."

Updated: 10:41 Monday, December 10, 2001