A new pumper truck stationed at Mascot. Picture: FRSNSW
The NSW Government is buying longer ladders for its firefighters as buildings in inner Sydney continue to grow in height.
The government says their Rosenbauer ladders can reach up to 32 metres high, carry up to 300kg in personnel and materials and feature a reticulated cage or bucket.
They will be replacing existing ladders based at the Darlinghurst and Woollahra fire stations.
A government statement says an in-built Target Memory System (TMS) enables the ladders to be automatically lowered or raised while high-definition thermal imaging capability means information can be relayed back to Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) command centres.
The aerial platforms have been deployed at fire stations throughout Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, and key regional centres.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib says as fire appliances reach the end of their shelf life, they will be replaced by the latest technology.
“As Sydney grows, so too does the need for modern fire protection,” he says.
“As the skylines of our major cities change, the FRNSW fleet is being adapted to deal with potential high-rise emergencies to keep our communities safe.”
He says the new turntable ladders are a key part of the FRNSW’s response to urban high-rise fires and rescues “which are a challenge as housing density increases”.
FRNSW Deputy Commissioner (Strategic Capability) Megan Stiffler says their fleet replacement program is not about ‘like-for-like’ but ‘prepared for anything’ upgrades.
“Not only can they reach the upper levels of our tallest apartment towers, but these trucks can also extend over large factory roofs to reach the seats of fires and down embankments to get to vehicles that have run off the road,” she explains.
“They put us in terrific stead to deal with the ‘at-height’ emergencies of the future.”
FLEET PROGRAM
The Rosenbauer aerial rescue units are part of the government’s 2024-25 $18.6m Fleet Replacement Program for Sydney.
New pumper appliances will also be stationed at Mascot and Rosemeadow fire stations, the government says.
The new $950,000 Scania P320 Class 3 Pumpers use a compressed air foam system to reduce water use and for a more efficient foam disposal to reduce run-off.
The Mascot-based pumper will support fire services at Sydney Airport during major emergencies.
These vehicles are among 20 new trucks rolled out this financial year; trucks have already handed over to the Penrith, Smithfield, St Marys and Huntingwood stations as well for a new fire station at Busby.
Another fire station and three trucks are earmarked for Badgerys Creek for new homes and businesses there as well as for the new international airport.
VIDEO LINK HERE: A look at one of the new fire trucks.
