State-of-the-art fire vehicles hit the roads

Two new state-of-the-art aerial ladder platform (ALP) vehicles have hit the roads of Staffordshire. The vehicles will help us keep firefighters safe, allow rescues from tall buildings and will assist us when tackling difficult to reach fires.

The ALPs, based at Longton and Burton, will replace the existing vehicles which have been used by the service for nearly two decades.

The newly designed ALPs have been built by Angloco, a specialist firefighting vehicle manufacturer, to our specification which firefighters have had an input into. They will extend to 32 metres and the cages can accommodate wheelchairs and five people at any one time, rather than the previous ones only being able to house three.

Station Manager Matt Melland said: “We’re very much looking forward to seeing the new ALPs in action and our firefighters have had extensive training in using the new vehicles.  

“Investing in two new vehicles is part of the programme to update the service’s fleet with vehicles incorporating the latest technology. To maintain a modern fire and rescue service, it’s important that we provide fit-for-purpose, specialist operational equipment to support our firefighters in the delivery of excellent services to the communities we serve.

“The new ALP cage and ladder can extend further away from the vehicle than our older fleet which means greater flexibility at incidents to perform rescues and operational tasks.

“New technology will also allow joint-working with our rope rescue team and enable operational crews to carry out more complex rescues at height and in confined spaces.''

Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Ben Adams said: “These new aerial ladder platforms are a significant investment in the future of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service. I am pleased to hear both new vehicles will soon be on our roads, helping to ensure the safety of our firefighters and the communities of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.”

To find out more about our service vehicles, visit our website.