The new turntable ladder is pictured above. Other pictures: Fully extended
View looking down | Handover of keys | The vehicle it replaced | Full fleet list
9 May 2011
Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service's new turntable ladder has gone into service at High Wycombe Fire Station.
Features include a 32-metre ladder, compared to the previous vehicle’s 24-metre ladder, and a remote control function that can be operated by means of a built-in camera system.
This means that it can direct water from height and provide an overview of an incident without the need to put firefighters in the risk area.
The vehicle cost £500,000 and is expected to be in service until 2027.
Chief Fire Officer Mark Jones said: "It represents a significant investment in the safety of both the public and our fire crews by Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Fire Authority. It will make a major contribution to the safety of those we serve and protect for many years to come."
The new appliance maintains much of the compact design that has proved successful with the previous model which, thanks to its short wheelbase chassis and jacking system, was able to be used in narrow roads, confined spaces and within many house driveways in the area.
The specification for the new vehicle was developed by a working group which included aerial-trained firefighters.
CFO Jones added: "The new and improved high-reach capacities and modern nature of the appliance provide a significant increase in our ability to keep our firefighters safe when undertaking firefighting duties at heights.
"This a very positive step and I am particularly pleased that staff who worked on the project managed to deliver a product that is on time, on cost and fit for purpose."
The Metz L32A turntable ladder on a Scania P320 chassis was supplied by Emergency One, who are the supplying agent for Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service’s current Scania fleet.
The keys were officially handed over to Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Fire Authority Chairman Councillor David Rowlands and CFO Mark Jones by Emergency One Managing Director Willie Burns at the authority's meeting on 20 April.
Following the completion of training by staff who use it, the new vehicle went "on the run" on Friday (6 May). Its fleet number is 032, its registration number KX11 BCZ and its call sign FJC 41A8.
Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has another aerial appliance - a combined rescue pump and turntable ladder called the Quint - based at Great Holm Fire Station in Milton Keynes.