He is part of the fire service's backbone

“My first thought as I drove off was how incredibly quiet it was behind the wheel.  It has a tight turning circle and slips smoothly around tight corners,”  says Theo Graeff.

At the touch of a button, the truck’s hook-lift sets to work with a whirring sound and grabs its load. The truck bucks slightly, and in ninety seconds hauls a 12-tonne container onto its cargo platform as though it were a mere Lego brick.

“This container is a supply module and it is our most common load. It contains a small kitchen, refrigerator and benches that we can place on site so the firemen can have a cup of coffee and a sandwich. Since many fires last a long time, it is very important that the people fighting the flames are properly supplied with food and drink – they cannot work long hours without adequate nourishment,” says Theo and sets off towards Damrak, one of the city’s busiest streets.

Important service to the city
The support unit in Amsterdam has about 15 emergency call-outs a year. This may not sound a lot, but help from here is only requested in the event of major fires, large-scale accidents or catastrophe situations. In central Amsterdam, the fire service receives emergency call-outs 6 or 7 times a day. Usually for minor fires or to rescue people stuck in elevators. By far the most common scenario, however, is cycle and car accidents.

“If the fire service’s biggest enemy is fire, then the support unit’s biggest problem is the traffic and the narrow streets. But I like it. Otherwise I wouldn’t have been doing this for so long. The professional fire-fighters are great people and they appreciate what we do. And although we only provide logistics, I’d like to believe that we play an important role in keeping the fire service working efficiently,” says Theo Graeff as he sweeps by the railway station on his way back to the support unit.

Amsterdam’s traffic problem is gradually moving towards a solution. In 2003 work started on extension of the city’s metro system. The new line, which it is estimated will cost Amsterdam 23 billion kronor, will transport more than 200,000 people daily and is expected to be ready in 2013. Until then, Theo Graeff and the other drivers will have to continue tackling the traffic with their new Volvo trucks.

 

 

 

Brandweer. The Dutch word for “Fire Service” shines in white on a brand-new red Volvo FE 6x2 at the fire service’s support unit outside Amsterdam. Our driver for the day, Theo Graeff, has 22 years as a volunteer fire-fighter and 15 years as a taxi driver on his merit list. In other words, he’s driven just about everything there is to drive but is still highly impressed by the new truck.

Many competitor brands
This is the first of 80 vehicles that Volvo Trucks is delivering to the Dutch fire service. After tenders were submitted for fire trucks for the entire country, the unanimous choice was Volvo.

“In the tender, we weighed in various factors in three review sessions. What was most important was short delivery time, short wheelbase and narrow overall width. When we rated the tenders according to ten or so categories, Volvo came out with twice as many points as its nearest rival,” says Marcel Sol, logistics and vehicle manager at the Amsterdam fire department.

Old bridges cause problems
The route takes us along narrow streets. Modern architecture blends with stone and brick buildings from the 17th century onwards. Via a street called Honthorststraat, Theo crosses one of the city’s many canals and sets course for Marie Heinekenplein. Many of the bridges cannot handle heavy trucks so it’s vital to know which route to take.

“With hundreds of narrow streets it’s important to know where you’re going. Since I’ve worked as a taxi driver for so long, I’m familiar enough with the streets not to need the on-board GPS,” he adds.

Volunteering for the job
Just like other volunteer fire-fighters, Theo Graeff has his regular job to think about. On the days when he is on call, however, he has to be ready round the clock.