High-tech computer equipment is to be installed in Cleveland fire engines to tell crews exactly what dangers they are facing as they travel to incidents.
The new equipment will provide vital information about an incident to firefighters before they reach the scene.
It will ensure that they know the exact location of the fire, and give information about any buildings and the nearest water supply.
In preparation for the arrival of the equipment, 72 fire fighters and other staff are taking a basic computer course at the brigade's training centre in Grangetown.
Training officer Steve McCarten said: "Although the new hardware is simple to operate, many of the firefighters have not had much contact with computers and need a basic understanding to operate it."
The course is run by Power-Tec, the training house of Stockton and Billingham College, which specialises in providing education and training in industry.
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