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.”

Elizabeth Fire Department orders custom apparatus from Pierce

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Pierce Manufacturing Inc. has announced that Elizabeth Fire Department in New Jersey has placed an order for seven custom Pierce fire apparatus, including two Arrow XT pumpers, a 100’ Heavy-Duty Rear Mount Aerial Ladder, two Walk-In Heavy-Duty Rescues, a Non-Walk-In Heavy-Duty Rescue tactical response unit, and a Walk-In Heavy-Duty Rescue special operations vehicle.

The new fire apparatus purchase was conducted through Pierce dealer, Fire and Safety Services, and is part of a fleet replacement initiative to both upgrade current vehicles and replace some out-of-service units to best equip the department’s seven firehouses with the management of increasing emergency call volume. 

Salvatore J. Barraco, chief of the Elizabeth Fire Department, said: “When selecting and designing new fire apparatus, our department looks for safety, reliability, fleet continuity, sole-source manufacturing, and rugged construction which can stand up to our community’s varying terrain. Adding new fire apparatus to our frontline fleet was a primary focus, but the opportunity to remove some older units and place them into reserve status was a huge benefit.”

Gregg Cariddi, sales representative with Fire and Safety Services commented: “We’ve appreciated having the opportunity to work collaboratively to analyse the department’s unique needs and help select the most advanced fire apparatus to best support each critical mission they may encounter. Our team looks forward to continuing to build our relationship and providing dedicated service support for many years to come.”

Pierce Volterra wins Best of What’s New Awards

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Pierce Manufacturing Inc. has announced its Pierce Volterra zero-emissions pumper has won a 2022 Popular Science “Best of What’s New Award” in the category of Emergency Services and Defense.

The Best of What’s New list is comprised up of 100 technologies and products from the past year which ‘stood out in a remarkable way’ in the categories of aerospace, auto, engineering, entertainment, gadgets, health, and more.

Eric Linsmeier, business unit director – electrical and software technology with Pierce Manufacturing commented: “Our parent company, Oshkosh Corporation, is a technology industrial company and a leader in electrification, autonomy, active safety, and intelligent connected products.

“Such a notable designation from a leading technology news source like Popular Science recognizes our commitment to developing electric vehicle solutions to help firefighters save lives and best serve their communities. The Volterra electric fire truck is one of our latest innovations, and it’s incredible to see such extensive support and a shared vision for where this technology will take the fire service in the coming years.”

Pierce has announced the placement of three Volterra zero-emissions pumpers into three communities, including the City of Madison, Wisconsin Fire Department, the City of Portland, Oregon Fire and Rescue, and Gilbert Fire and Rescue Department in Arizona since the introduction in 2021 as the first electric fire truck in service in North America.

Popular Science Technology Editor Rob Verger commented: “The Best of What’s New Awards are our way of celebrating the most exciting and groundbreaking innovations of the year. These awards highlight the revolutionary inventions which are helping to improve our daily lives, our society, and our planet.

“From the future of air travel to revolutionary skin care products, and from sustainable outdoors equipment to game-changing gadgets, this year’s list is a thrilling mix which we’re proud to call the Best of What’s New.”

Over the next year, Pierce has said it will continue developing and evaluating the Pierce Volterra electric vehicle to gain valuable exposure and insight into the operational environments the electric vehicle must withstand.

IFSJ Exclusive: Magirus gives The Last Word on Next Generation Firefighting

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Julian Mueller, Marketing Manager & Spokesperson at Magirus, talks Next Generation Firefighting

What was the idea behind Magirus’ Next Generation Firefighting?

For Magirus striving for innovation is and has always been a core motivation. With our Next Generation Firefighting (NGFF) portfolio we want to give the answers of tomorrow’s challenges already today. Those are mainly driven by climate change, urbanisation, and digitalisation. Wildfires and other natural disasters will increase dramatically and have a massive impact on all our lives. We need the right strategies and new technologies to battle those threats effectively. This we can and will deliver as Magirus with this series of innovative products and solutions that build the basis for a new era in firefighting.

What vehicles make up the range?

There are two major technological areas that are essential to our NGFF portfolio, connectivity and robotics. And this of course in the context of digitalisation and always with intuitive operations. This means you find robots as well as more traditional firefighting vehicles in the portfolio. What they all have in common is that they are smart and connected.

The binding element is Magirus TacticNet, our tactical operations network which connects all vehicles and robots or drones as part of a highly effective eco-system and provides before unknown possibilities in terms of tactics and coordination. Particularly in complex operations such as rapidly spreading building fires, extensive forest fires or large fires in industrial plants, TacticNet offers a completely new quality of situation assessment and provides an extremely valuable basis for quick, targeted decisions, thus enabling even more successful operations.

What is the newest addition to the line up?

The latest solution is the Magirus Wolf C1, which is basically a flexible and supportive transport and logistics robot with a universal swap body system. The easy-to-use lift table design ensures simple lifting and picking up of various loads. The application possibilities are versatile and simple due to its adaptability and the connection possibility with modular accessories, from pure transport tasks, to a mobile lighting mast, as large mobile fans support in hose laying.

The Wolf C1 can also be used for for rescue operations, because it can transport injured people safely and gently with its spring[1]mounted chassis and the sairline slides that allow fix and easy-to-use installation of up to two basket stretchers. This is the next generation of mission support and logistics.

Are there plans to further develop the Next Generation Firefighting portfolio?

Next Generation Firefighting is a core philosophy for us and the foundation for all our products in the years to come. The context and the challenges will gain importance and the need for a product portfolio with intelligent networking of all relevant areas will be even bigger in the future. Smart robotics and connectivity will be key features to succeed and to enable firefighters around the world to save lives and to stay safe themselves.

Does Magirus have anything else in the pipeline?

The next year will be very important for us. We will focus on our totally new generation of turntable ladders with Magirus SmartControl technology. Those fully connected and intuitively operated can be seamlessly integrated into digitals systems like our Magirus FleetConnect and therefore part of our Next Generation Firefighting Portfolio.

This article was originally published in the November edition of IFSJ. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Venari unveils extended emergency vehicle line up

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The latest phase of innovation in emergency vehicle technology between Ford and Venari was launched at the Emergency Services Show (ESS) at the NEC in Birmingham in September.

Following 2021’s launch of the Ford Venari ‘Siren’, Venari Group unveiled two new Ford-based front line emergency response vehicles alongside the all-new Ford Venari patient transport vehicle.

The operational vehicle unveiled for the firefighting market is the Ford Venari ‘Rapid Response Firefighting Unit’. Based on a 5-tonne Ford Transit double chassis cab, capable of carrying up to five firefighters – the new Venari rapid response firefighting unit (RRFU) demonstrator boasts a robust, lightweight, aluminium body; maximising equipment carrying capability in conjunction with a 600-litre water tank – capable of being increased up to 1,200 litres or according to specific fire and rescue service requirements.

An internal ladder stowage system ensures the vehicle maintains the lowest possible centre of gravity whilst lightweight and ergonomic equipment stowage systems provide a platform for maximum firefighter efficiency at an incident.

The Ford Venari ‘Drone Response Unit’, based on a Ford Ranger chassis, was also unveiled at this year’s ESS. The specific drone response unit has been created to allow for increased reactivity and efficiency for emergency drone crews operating in firefighting and police organisations, amongst others.

The vehicle has a fleet of drones fully connected to the its systems, drone detection technology, a weather station, a lithium powered invertor, temperature-controlled battery charging and storage compartments, touch screen operations area, night vision lighting, a 42-inch monitor and operator welfare facilities.

Heliguy’s Training and Counter-Drone Development Manager, Ben Shirley explained: “The DRU has been specifically configured considering the most efficient method of deploying drones, whilst facilitating a plethora of additional operational requirements.

“A bespoke ready-to-fly mechanism means that the UAS remains fully assembled, ready to deploy immediately, saving valuable time for emergency service organisations benefiting from the use of drone technology. Every aspect of Emergency Service Drone operations has been considered and the multi-role vehicle is hugely beneficial for pre-planned and hasty operations, with enduring capabilities.

“Venari have turned our comprehensive concept into a reality, far exceeding expectations and seamlessly integrating innovative technologies to compliment the deployment of drones.”

Venari Group’s CEO, Oliver North, commented on the launches: “This year’s Emergency Services Show will highlight precisely where Venari are heading as an emergency vehicle manufacturer in terms of relevance, developmental capability and quality, underpinned clearly by a passion for innovative manufacturing.

“In an ever-evolving industry in terms of front-line user challenges, alongside global supply chain hurdles, I truly believe manufacturers must come to the table with comprehensive solutions to answer the questions asked of us by our world-class emergency services. We’ve done precisely that across multiple vehicle disciplines together with our incredible alliance partners, Ford.

“I couldn’t be prouder of what the team have produced in only 12 months alongside a demandingly full order book, and all without an ounce of compromise in build quality – which I truly believe is the best in the industry by some distance.”

NSW Rural Fire Service unveils new helicopter

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The New South Wales Rural Fire Service new multi-purpose helicopter has been unveiled at Coffs Harbour.

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said the $6 million asset is fitted with state-of-the-art equipment including Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) cameras, live video capabilities and winching equipment.

Cooke said: “This is the first time we have permanently based a helicopter at Coffs Harbour, representing a significant boost to the capability of our emergency service personnel during bush fires, search and rescue missions and other emergency operations.

“The RFS responds to a wide range of natural disasters and other hazards, so having this helicopter positioned and ready for action will keep our communities safer and stronger.”

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh joined RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers at the Coffs Harbour helicopter base today to officially welcome the new asset.

“Today’s announcement delivers on the NSW Government’s commitment made in November 2021 to improve aerial resources in regional NSW,” Singh said at the unveiling.

“Our communities have faced many natural disasters in recent years so it’s fantastic that this aircraft will not only support our RFS volunteers and staff during their firefighting operations, but also assist other agencies responding to storms and floods.”

Commissioner Rogers said the RFS has the largest aerial firefighting fleet in Australia, including a 737 Large Air Tanker, two Citation aircraft and six helicopters.

Commissioner Rogers said: “The strategic placement of the RFS aviation fleet is particularly important. Basing helicopters in Coffs Harbour, Dubbo and Tumut provides additional support for regional, rural and remote communities.

“In any emergency time is of the essence, and this aircraft is well-positioned in Coffs Harbour for rapid response to support multi-agency emergency response in this part of the State.”

Following unveiling event, the helicopter was immediately dispatched to the State’s Central West to assist with flood rescues.

Magirus stops at FLORIAN 2022 on its European roadshow

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Firefighting Vehicles manufacturer Magirus made a successful appearance at the FLORIAN trade fair in Dresden last month as part of its European roadshow

With record numbers of 20,000 visitors, this year’s FLORIAN trade fair saw a significant increase over last year. Magirus took the stage and presented many innovations and groundbreaking new products. In addition, FLORIAN was the last stop on its highly successful “Experience the Future” roadshow.

Since September, Magirus has been touring Europe with its innovative roadshow “Experience The Future” to present its state-of-the-art product portfolio to fire departments and interested visitors. In Dresden, the latest innovations for the next generation of firefighting could be experienced live on the outdoor area F5 at booth F50.

FLORIAN thus successfully concluded this year’s roadshow stops. The new Magirus Wolf CI tactical logistics platform was presented alongside the Magirus Wolf R1 response robot. Both are part of Magirus’ innovative “Next Generation Firefighting”

A highlight of the show for Magirus was that State Secretary Dr. Frank Pfeil, who had opened FLORIAN 2022 on behalf of Saxony’s Interior Minister Armin Schuster, officially took delivery of Central Europe’s first gas-powered fire engine.

The CNG-powered HLF 10 pumper from Magirus will be used in the city of Radeberg in the future for both fire-fighting and technical assistance. When refueled with biogas, the vehicle can be operated 100% CO²-neutral and, above all, cost-efficiently.

World’s first electric automatic aerial ladder put to the test

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Schutz & Rettung Zürich  are testing the world’s first electric automatic aerial ladder from Rosenbauer.

Used for fighting fires, rescuing people and animals, providing assistance in severe weather, rope rescue, dealing with bees and other services, the new electric automatic aerial ladder (L32A-XS electric) will be put to the test when Schutz & Rettung Zürich (SRZ) uses it as an additional automatic aerial ladder as part of a pilot project.

The electric automatic aerial ladder, made by Rosenbauer, is powered by electricity from three lithium-ion batteries. The ladder should be no different from conventional models as far as operating it is concerned. It is also designed to be quieter. However, the top prority is making sure that SRZ can perform its fundamental mission of protecting and rescuing the people of Zurich at all times, without any restrictions.

The vehicle previously showcased at the Interschutz trade show in Hanover will remain available for training and familiarizing firefighters until it is incorporated into deployment scheduling (sometime around the end of November).

The vehicle will then be deployed on real-life operations both in the urban area of Zurich and in the airport region as part of a year-long pilot project, delivering valuable information on how it performs when used on day-to-day calls by a fire department. This could provide significant insights that can subsequently be used to optimize the procurement of emergency vehicles with alternative drive systems.

Gebäudeversicherung Zürich (GVZ), a buildings insurance organization, is supporting the pilot project in its capacity as the organization with overall responsibility for fire services in the canton of Zurich and a key partner to SRZ.

Markus Zellinger from Rosenbauer Schweiz AG, commented: “We are delighted to be implementing the first all-electric aerial ladder in collaboration with our customer, Schutz & Rettung Zürich (SRZ), and to have handed it over for trials. The top priority during development of the aerial ladder was functionality.

“We wanted it to be just as functional, powerful and reliable as the established standard aerial ladders while also being equally easy to use and maintain and offering the same level of spare parts availability. That is why we used only high-quality OEM components.”

Pierce Volterra Fire Truck wins ‘Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin 2022’ prize

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Pierce Manufacturing Inc., has announced its Pierce® Volterra™ zero-emissions pumper won the annual “Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin” competition after receiving tens-of-thousands of votes of support.

Appleton, Wisconsin-based Pierce was among 16 finalists in the 2022 competition. The contest is sponsored each year by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) and Johnson Financial Group, highlighting the state’s manufacturing industry by showcasing innovative products made in Wisconsin.

All of the nominated products are made incorporating manufacturing processes within the state of Wisconsin.

Lisa Barwick, vice president of marketing – Fire & Emergency Segment for Oshkosh Corporation, commented: “Pierce has been a proud Wisconsin manufacturer for over 100 years, and our team is incredibly honoured to have been included among an admired group of companies and remarkable products.

“Throughout the competition, a strong sense of pride and dedication to innovation was evident with every match-up. Winning is an incredible distinction, and we are thankful for the support of our Oshkosh Corporation and Pierce team members, the community, our dealer network across North America, and our customers.”

Since the Volterra’s introduction in 2021, Pierce has announced the placement of three zero-emissions pumpers into three communities, including the City of Madison, Wisconsin Fire Department, the City of Portland, Oregon Fire and Rescue, and Gilbert Fire and Rescue Department in Arizona. All locations represent vastly different climates, allowing Pierce to collect vehicle performance data for the vehicle in various environmental conditions.

The Pierce Volterra was awarded the prize for reasons including its being the first zero-emission fire truck in service in North America utilising technology that supports municipalities’ growing environmental sustainability goals and agendas to reduce local carbon emissions.

Barwick added: “Winning this award recognizes our commitment to developing electric vehicle solutions which help firefighters save lives and best serve their communities. As one of our latest innovations, it’s incredible to see our network and community rally around a shared vision for where the Volterra electric fire truck will take the fire service in the coming years.”