Magirus Italia delivers turntable ladders to Ministry of the Interior

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On January 26, 2023, the Ministry of the Interior received 42 vehicles from Magirus Italia in a ceremony in Brescia, Italy. These are part of a larger order of 50 units and mark Italy’s commitment to using state-of-the-art technology to protect its citizens.

Magirus said it was proud to be part of this commitment and confident that these articulated turntable ladder will play a decisive role in saving lives. All units, characterised by advanced technological features, are based on Iveco or Magirus chassis.

Magirus Italia handed over the 42 turntable ladders to the top representatives of the Ministry of the Interior during a ceremony at the headquarters of the Brescia Fire Department. These vehicles are part of a large order to Magirus Italia and testify the willingness of the Department of Home Affairs to use the latest firefighting technology to protect the public.

The delivery includes 10 M42L-AS on Iveco S-Way, 3 M32L-AS NB on Magirus FF160 E32 low profile chassis and 29 M32L-AS on Iveco Eurocargo chassis. Magirus’ modern turntable ladders offer firefighters maximum flexibility and safety with reliability.

The three types of turntable ladders are equipped with state-of-the-art features, including the Magirus Single Extension technology with articulated ladder-set, an RC500 rescue cage with a capacity of 500 kg (up to five people), a stretcher support device with a maximum capacity of 270 kg, the Magirus SafetyPeak (anchor device for protection and rescue of two people) a generator with start/stop system from the main control stand, an electrically adjustable water/ foam monitor in the front of the cage, self-protection nozzles, Magirus EdgeLight safety lighting, as well a video and thermal camera in the rescue cage.

With each of these 42 vehicles, Italian firefighters acquire a highly modern and powerful tool specifically developed for the needs of the Italian National Fire Service.

Green Bay Metro Fire Department orders two E-ONE platforms

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E-ONE, a subsidiary of REV Group Inc., and manufacturer of fire apparatus, has announced it is building two HP 100 Platforms for the Green Bay Metro Fire Department in Wisconsin. The two platforms were ordered through E-ONE Dealer Fire Service Inc.  

These two platforms are replacement vehicles for Green Bay, whose recent orders include two custom pumpers and a Haz-Mat Command Combo Rescue.

Key features of the HP 100 Platforms include:  

  • E-ONE Typhoon® cab with severe duty interior
  • Integral torque box frame with a Cummins 500 HP X12 engine and Allison EVS4000P transmission
  • Criss-cross under-slung outriggers with only 15’-6” spread, automatic levelling and short jack capability
  • Extruded aluminum aerial with 2.5 to 1 structural safety factor
  • Advanced Aerial Control System with color displays featuring mission specific screens
  • Akron StreamMaster II AVM monitor with 2.5” discharge
  • Two 45-degree rear corner staircases
  • Ladder tunnel with 156’ of ground ladders with pike pole storage

Green Bay Metro Fire Department will use the two new platforms to better serve its growing community.

Green Bay Battalion Chief Ray Fuiten said: “I truly believe we are getting the best product and customer service with Fire Service Inc. and E-ONE.  

“It’s exciting to see Green Bay add these two HP 100 Platforms to their fleet,” said Larry Daniels, E-ONE Director of Sales. “We are proud of the continued relationship with Green Bay Metro Fire Department.  Fire Service continues to grow in the Wisconsin market, and E-ONE is excited to be part of that growth.”

Rosenbauer Wins Collective Tender in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

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Rosenbauer has again been entrusted with the manufacture and delivery of firefighting vehicles by the State Office for Central Tasks and Technology of the Police, Fire Protection, and Disaster Control of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

After winning the contract for 265 portable water pump vehicles (TSF-W) three years ago, the new order includes up to 40 fire engines (LF 20) in accordance with DIN 14530-11, the orders for 37 of which have already been confirmed.

The prototype vehicle will be produced in the first half of 2023, with series production beginning after its acceptance. From 2024, the firefighting vehicles will be handed over to the State Office in monthly instalments, with the State Office then distributing them to the individual fire departments.

Rosenbauer will equip the vehicles with a  AT body, one of the hallmarks of which is the integrated double crew cab with automatic revolving doors for safe entry and exit. The LF 20s are built on an MB Atego 150 AF chassis, with all-wheel drive and twin tires on the rear axle and a total permissible weight of 16 tons.

The extinguishing technology consists of a Rosenbauer N25 fire pump (FPN 10-2000), which can also be switched on while driving for pump & roll operation at walking speed, as well as the Rosenbauer RFC Admix Variomatic 12 pressure proportioning system (EN 16327), which can deliver up to twelve liters of foam compound per minute and supply three spray points with a continuously adjustable proportioning rate of between 0.1% (wetting agent operation) and 6%.

The water tank has a usable capacity of 2,500 litres, with the foam tank having a capacity of 120 litres. The extensive vehicle equipment also includes a NAUTILUS submersible pump, a FANERGY high-performance fan, an RS 14 SUPER SILENT power generator, and the new Rosenbauer RTE one-person reel hose.

A new training method

Rosenbauer is also breaking new ground with its portable fire pump vehicles. For the first time, as the result of a request from the State Office of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, vehicle training is offered online. This both saves the fire departments travel time and provides crew members with the opportunity to complete the training at any time.

After receiving personalised access to the Rosenbauer e-learning platform, drivers and machinists are familiarised with all the functions of the TSF-W and its operation through numerous and detailed videos, then complete a test at the end and receive a certificate to print out upon passing.

Ghana International Airports Receive Two Oshkosh Strikers

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Oshkosh Airport Products has announced that Ghana Airports Company Limited has taken delivery of two Oshkosh® Airport Products Striker® 6×6 ARFF vehicles.

The vehicles will support emergency operations at two of the region’s largest airfields, including Kumasi International Airport and Tamale International Airport, which serve over 600,000 travelers annually.

Adding to a full Oshkosh Airport Products fleet, the new ARFF vehicles were delivered in 2022 and offer enhanced features and fleet continuity for ease of operation and efficiency.

Features of Ghana’s Striker 6×6 ARFF vehicles:

  • Deutz 500 Kw (670 BHP) Tier 3 engine
  • Water capacity: 12,500 liters (3,302 gallons)
  • Foam capacity: 1,750 liters (460 gallons)
  • Dry chemical capacity: 250 kg (550 pounds)
  • Roof turret: High flow­–minimum of 6,000 lpm (1,585 gpm) and low flow of 3,000 lpm (792 gpm)
  • Bumper turret: Low flow rate of 2,365 lpm (625 gpm) and high flow of 4,731 lpm (1,250 gpm)Hawi added, 

Salim Hawi, Vice President of international sales for Oshkosh Airport Products commented: “What makes the new Striker ARFF vehicles for Ghana Airports Company’s Kumasi and Tamale International Airports unique is the incredible water, foam, and dry chemical capacities.”

“We are confident the new apparatus will meet Ghana’s international airports’ performance expectations for many years to come. We look forward to continuing to build on the long-standing relationship to provide this dedicated team of emergency responders with dependable apparatus and dedicated training and service support.” 

Ghana is a country in West Africa, situated on the coast of the Gulf of New Guinea. The Ghana Airports Company is comprised of six airports: Kotoka International Airport, Kumasi International Airport, Tamale International Airport, Sunyani Airport, Wa Airport, and Ho Airport.

The company manages and maintains all airports and airfields in Ghana and is an implementing agency under the Ministry of Transport.

To learn more about Oshkosh Airport Products and Ghana International Airports’ new Striker 6×6 ARFF vehicles, visit www.oshkoshairport.com.

REV to provide Daytona International Speedway with all-electric fire truck

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REV Fire Group, has announced its all-electric Vector fire truck is one of four REV Fire pumpers that will be part of the firefighting fleet used at Daytona International Speedway (DIS) in 2023. The exclusive partnership is now in its second year.

The zero emission and zero greenhouse gas Vector fire apparatus aligns with Daytona International Speedway sustainability initiatives, including a project to plant more than 100 trees within view of the track’s grandstands in April 2022.

Similar initiatives championed by NASCAR and its partners include a blended biofuel, in-venue recycling efforts, and the recycling of racing oils and race-used tires.

“We are excited to provide the all-electric Vector for our Florida neighbor, Daytona International Speedway, to protect its employees, NASCAR drivers and the many fans and spectators who attend “The Great American Race” and other events.

Mike Virnig, Vice President of the REV Fire Group commented: “Vector also protects the environment, making this a perfect collaboration with DIS and NASCAR and their many green initiatives designed to reduce the track and sport’s carbon footprint and promote sustainability.”

With its 327 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of proven automotive-grade batteries, the Vectordelivers the longest electric pumping duration in the fire industry, accomplishing all driving and pumping tasks exclusively on electrically generated power. The design also features low battery cell placement, offering a safer, lower center of gravity for enhanced stability while operating at the Speedway.

Vector and the other REV Fire apparatus will be used at the Daytona 500, the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the Coke Zero Sugar 400. 

This past December Daytona International Speedway hosted a two-day test session for the Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class, new hybrid-powered race cars set to debut in the Rolex 24 At Daytona which kicks off the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship on Jan. 28-29.

Bristol Airport invests in firefighting vehicle

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Bristol Airport has added a brand new fire engine to its fleet of fire vehicles: a Oshkosh Striker 3.0, making Bristol the first UK airport to take delivery of the third generation Oshkosh Striker ARFF vehicle.

The Oshkosh Striker ARFF is a 39 tonne fire vehicle and has the capabilities of carrying a four person crew, has a 700BHP engine and a top speed of 72 mph.  The vehicle carries 12,000 litres of water, 1,700 litres of foam and a 7500 litre per minute water pump.

Bristol Airport’s fire team are undertaking an intensive training course on the new vehicle.

Graeme Gamble, Chief Operating Officer, Bristol Airport said: “Our priority is the safety of passengers and colleagues in all Bristol Airport operations, and we’re delighted to be the first airport in the UK to take delivery of such an advanced fire vehicle.  

“The fire and rescue service is a critical part of our operation, and the fire team are permanently on  call day and night and ready to respond to any eventuality. We wanted to ensure that the new appliance is equipped with the very latest in firefighting technology. A complex environment such as Bristol Airport requires a specially trained fire team with its own specialist equipment and we are delighted to have added the Striker to the Airport’s fire vehicle fleet.”

Venari Group and Rotec Engineering launch EV Firefighting Technology

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British manufacturers Venari Group and Rotec Engineering have announced their official alliance and are set unveil their new co-branded lithium ion extinguishing technology – the Vanquish – at the Fire Service College, Moreton-in-Marsh, in February 2023.

West Yorkshire-based emergency vehicle manufacturer, Venari, has, in recent years, pivoted to engineer and manufacture countless vehicle solutions in response to increasing challenges on the front lines around the world.

Notably, Venari manufactured armoured battlefield ambulances for Ukraine on a large scale in 2022, engineered and supplied over 200 Covid test centres around the UK throughout the years before and will soon deliver the first operational hybrid air crash truck – the most technologically advanced vehicle of its type – to Cranfield Airport, all amongst hundreds of NHS ambulances and firefighting vehicles.

Evesham-based Rotec Engineering has a history in developing innovative products and processes, manufactured solely from within the UK, including firefighting extinguishing technology for military and aerospace applications. This sits alongside Rotec’s core strength,  its advanced manufacturing centre dedicated to 5-axis CNC , automation and sliding head technology.

With a rapid increase in the use of lithium ion batteries, particularly in electric vehicles (EVs), fire and rescue services, globally, have continued to look for solutions capable of supressing EV fires. Rotec and Venari have subsequently gathered their resource and expertise to create the answer to the global challenge of EV firefighting.

Throughout 2022, Rotec and Venari engineered, manufactured and tested the new technology for fire services. The resulting product – the Vanquish – will be demonstrated to senior firefighters from fire and rescue services (FRS’) throughout the UK, at the fire service college in February 2023.

Capable of being mounted on small, agile pick-up size chassis’, or retrofittable into existing large vehicles in an FRS fleet, the Vanquish is poised to become an essential tool in the ever evolving ‘toolbox’ of a fire and rescue service.

The new system expels a specific media, which will be explained and unveiled at February’s launch, at the perfect droplet size which in-turn seals and supresses the burning lithium ion.

Venari Group CEO, Oliver North, commented: “For years we have searched for an efficient solution to present to our firefighters in lithium ion firefighting. Working with the brilliant Rotec Engineering team alongside our own world-class team at Venari, we have fused together two very capable and passionate manufacturers for the good of innovation – and we can’t wait to demonstrate it to the industry.”

Rotec Engineering MD, Paul Butler, added: “We are very excited to join forces with Venari on this project. The synergy between our two companies is clear , working together we have the answer to growing concern for which we are proud to offer a solution. We are always focused on providing innovative and robust solutions, and the partnership with the Venari team will ensure this is delivered to the highest possible standard.”

Berlin Fire Department orders more electric vehicles from Rosenbauer

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The Berlin fire department is set to further reduce its fleet CO2 emissions by investing in more electric firefighting vehicles with a new order to firefighting vehicle manufacturer Rosenabuer.

The order includes four “Revolutionary Technology” (RT) models specially configured for Berlin as electric firefighting and rescue vehicles (eLHFs), which the fire department co-developed and realized together with Rosenbauer as part of a multi-year innovation partnership.

Following successful trial operation lasting thirteen months and involving three fire stations, at which 90% of the almost 1,400 deployments were “electric-only,” the Berlin fire department made its decision: This is the vehicle they want to take them into the future.

Around ten metric tons of CO2 equivalents were saved during trial operation compared with a diesel-powered firefighting vehicle, and savings as high as 16 metric tons or more of CO2 equivalents per vehicle and year of operation are potentially realistic.

The Berlin RT vehicle design supports precise deployment needs by offering high-quality fire extinguishing equipment that meets the requirements of a city fire department and comprises the N25 firefighting pump, which complies with FPN 10-2000, the RFC Admix Variomatic foam proportioning system and CAFS fire extinguishing technology, which complies with DLS 800.

In addition, the vehicle comes with not only on-board equipment for firefighting purposes but also a range of equipment for the myriad small-scale technical deployments. In terms of extinguishing agents, the vehicle transports 1,200 l of water and 100 l of foam concentrate; the crew comprises seven firefighters. 

In addition to the four RTs, Rosenbauer is also developing an electric equipment vehicle for the Berlin fire department. The specification and purchase of this vehicle type show that operational hygiene – especially clean/dirty separation immediately following firefighting operations – is becoming increasingly important.

The equipment vehicle for operational hygiene brings cleaning equipment and changing facilities to the scene of a fire; features an attachment that is divided into two for contaminated/clean clothing and can be accessed without needing to stoop; and is constructed on an electric series production chassis from Volvo. 

By ordering five new electric vehicles, the Berlin fire department is demonstrating once again that it is among the trend-setters in the world of firefighting. As a public institution, it sees itself as a role model that actively supports the sustainability management policy of the German capital’s city government and is keen to make its own significant contribution to the process of meeting the climate protection goals.

These goals include making Berlin carbon-neutral by 2045 at the latest and ensuring that the state administration, to which the fire departments also belong, is largely carbon-neutral by 2030. Converting the public fleets to alternative drive systems and drive energies is one of the most important actions in this respect. The fire departments alone (professional and volunteer services) operate around 1,000 vehicles.

Rosenbauer offers advice for firefighting vehicle maintenance

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Rosenbauer has issued advice on annual service and maintenance procedures of firefighting vehicles.

The firefighting vehicles manufactuer said that in order to keep Rosenbauer firefighting vehicles in perfect working condition it is vital to maintain the unit to the highest standards and in case of service, maintenance, repairs or modifications, users should rely only on qualified and authorised Rosenbauer service personnel as well as on original spare parts and accessories.

It said that service and maintenance activities should to be carried out according to the Rosenbauer service intervals and regulations mentioned in the supplied operation and service manuals, covering the Chassis, Fire Fighting System, Body and Fire Fighting Equipment.

The manufacturer pointed out that Rosenbauer spare parts and accessories have been designed, manufactured, tested and certified to the highest quality standards of the vehicles brand, meaning production and inspection standards, materials, dimensions, shapes and function, and warned that using unauthorised parts could see increased risk of failure, faster decline and may void any warranty.

Thomas Kitzler, Product Manager Customer Service at Rosenbauer said: “We as Rosenbauer have therefore carefully designed service packages to make regular checks and maintenance, since every fire fighting vehicle require periodic inspection and service of systems and equipment to be able to rely on its availability and functionality.

“In case that you would like to have the service and maintenance carried out on your machines by Rosenbauer International as the OEM of the vehicles, we would be glad to offer you such services. Please refer therefore to www.rosenbauer.com.”

Charlotte Fire Department orders fully electric vector pumper

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Spartan Emergency Response, a subsidiary of REV Group, Inc. has announced Charlotte Fire Department has ordered an all-electric Vector fire truck, expected to be the first of its kind in the Southeast.

The all-electric fire truck will be housed in the city’s first all-electric fire house set to open in 2024. Charlotte’s Station 30 will be a three-bay, two-story, all-electric firehouse on a three-acre site across the street from the Police and Fire Training Academy. The 14,000-square-foot facility will house Vector, charging apparatus and additional elements to make it a fully electric facility.

Equipped with 327 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of proven automotive-grade batteries, Charlotte’s Vector will enable the fire department to accomplish typical driving and pumping tasks exclusively on electrically generated power. The design also features low battery cell placement offering a lower centre of gravity for enhanced stability while operating.

As the first all-electric North American style fire truck, Vector will be similar in design to Charlotte’s current fleet of Smeal fire apparatus, offering firefighters the same truck style and working features they are used to, making for a smooth transition.

Chris Wade, Spartan Director of Sales commented: “We are honoured to continue serving the Charlotte Fire Department, a long time Smeal pumper and aerial customer. Working with Fire Chief Reginald Johnson, Fleet Manager Capt. Josh Westbrooks and their teams, we are excited to partner with them on this electric fire truck and this future vision for the Queen City.”

REV Fire Group introduced the Vector fire truck in August 2021, representing the latest in green, energy-efficient technology for the daily use of fire services. Atlantic Coast Fire Trucks, an authorised dealer for Spartan, Smeal and Ladder Tower, is handling the order and delivery is expected in 2024.