New $2.5m Aerial Platform arrives at Hornsby Fire Station - Hornsby
Published: 28 Jun 2023 12:59pm
Hornsby Fire Station has received a new, state-of-the-art Aerial Platform to tackle high-rise emergencies in Sydney’s north.
Valued at $2.5 million dollars, the high-tech appliance is one of four new Aerial Platforms purchased by Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW).
The others will be stationed at Huntingwood in Sydney’s west, Miranda in the city’s south and on the Central Coast.
The Hornsby crews have trained on the fire truck at FRNSW’s Alexandria training facility and have spent recent days further familiarising themselves with the vehicle within their own command.
Featuring Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) technology, the trucks use a mix of foam and water to extinguish fires faster than previous models, and thereby use less water.
The vehicles have three tanks, holding 1650 litres of water and 250 litres of foam in total, and have the capacity to pump at 6000 litres a minute, making it the most powerful pump on any Fire and Rescue appliance.
The platform’s ladder and enclosed cage can extend 24-metres in height, have a lateral reach of 11 metres and can lower three metres below the appliance, allowing firefighters to fight blazes or carry out rescues at various heights and rise over factory roofs to get to the seats of fires.
FRNSW is investing $38m in a 15-vehicle aerial fleet that includes four large, 45m ‘Bronto’ ladder platforms already protecting Wollongong, Newcastle, Crows Nest and Parramatta.
Additional CAFS Aerial Platforms are station in Newcastle and Sydney’s south-west.
FRNSW Acting Commissioner, Megan Stiffler, says the new aerial unit allows FRNSW to improve existing measures to protect Sydney’s growing skyline.
“Whether it’s a fire in a broad industrial complex or a high-rise rescue, this appliance allows us to be ‘Prepared for Anything’ in our northern suburbs,” A/Commissioner Stiffler said.
Emergency Services Minister, Jihad Dib, said FRNSW’s fleet is keeping pace with the city’s demands.
“Sydney’s skyline is growing taller every year,” Mr Dib said, “Residents can rest easy knowing there are modern, high-tech fire trucks that can reach tall apartment towers and businesses in the city’s north if an emergency occurs.”
Updated: 28 Jun 2023 01:03pm
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Stations nearby
2 Bridge Road, Hornsby NSW 2077
109 Beecroft Road, Beecroft NSW 2119
380 Old Northern Road, Castle Hill NSW 2154