Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service has invested in two new turntable ladders to add to the fleet. The new specialist appliances will assist in the Service’s response to incidents involving working at height.
Replacing two multi-star aerial appliances, the new high-spec vehicles will be based at Stanground, in the north of the county, and at Cambridge, in the south.
Both are a Magirus32L/AS, which have been supplied by Emergency One and are mounted on a Scania chassis, which was chosen for maximum maneuverability and a high level of visibility for the driver.
Prominent feature
The most prominent feature of the appliances is the 30m ladder with an articulated section, which will enhance the Service’s operations at height.
Other features include a cage with a retractable access platform and connections for attaching a stretcher and a detachable thermal imaging camera. The cameras can be mounted on the cage and can be live streamed to officers and Combined Fire Control.
An additional advantage includes improved capabilities for observing incidents from above. They are a more robust design, more responsive to drive, easier to maneuver, faster to set up (at just 30 seconds), and with greater rescue capabilities. Turntable ladder appliances with ladder extended.
Turntable ladders on the run
The appliances came into Service in 2020, and training has been completed by all crews
The appliances came into Service in 2020, and training has been completed by all crews.
The turntable ladders are now ‘on the run’ in Cambridgeshire and ready to respond to whatever incidents they are faced with.
Authority comment
Speaking about the investment, Head of Fleet & Equipment for Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, Graham Wiggins commented, “We want to ensure we provide our firefighters with the best possible equipment to be able to respond to emergency calls and protect their local community effectively.”
“This means investing in new equipment and making sure they have the right vehicles to respond to the job.”
“These new fire appliances are an exciting and innovative addition to the county’s fleet and will be a great asset to the Service when responding to incidents at height.”