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4. All directions covered by Fire and Rescue's new aerial appliances - Penrith

All directions covered by Fire and Rescue's new aerial appliances - Penrith

Published: 15 Apr 2024 10:57am

Fire and Rescue NSW's latest aerial pumper has rolled off the production line and arrived at its new home at Penrith Fire Station.

Valued at $2.5m, the state-of-the-art appliance is the latest of 11 new aerial platforms, strategically placed to protect the state's built-up areas from high-rise emergencies.

The truck boasts Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) technology, which means not only can it extend upwards 24-metres, it can pump out a mix of foam and water at 6000 litres a minute, faster than any other pumper in the FRNSW fleet.

Its tanks can hold 1650 litres of water and 250 litres of foam.

The vehicle has just been stowed with equipment and is ready for action, following a series of familiarity training sessions with the Penrith crew.

Not only can the crew use its remote controls to put out high-rise fires, the truck has a lateral reach of 11-metres, allowing it to extend over an industrial complex roof, and it can lower three metres to reach people or vehicles trapped down embankments.

Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown, who has inspected the new appliance in station, said the aerial pumper is part of an aerial fleet replacement program, ensuring our rising skylines are protected during emergencies.

"This aerial firefighting equipment is an important asset for Sydney's west, joining the existing aerial fleet to safeguard our major cities and the region," Ms McKeown said.

FRNSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell, said the most recent additions to the aerial fleet have been strategically positioned to respond to emergencies across all parts of Sydney as well as Newcastle, Wollongong and the Central Coast.

"Whether it's a rescue from a skyscraper in the Sydney CBD or a fire in a large factory complex in the city's west, our aerial units mean we've got it covered and we're 'Prepared for Anything.'"