New emergency response vehicle arrives at airport
Bristol Airport has invested in a new state-of-the-art emergency response vehicle.
The Oshkosh Striker ARFF is packed with the latest high-tech equipment and will be based at the large tender bay at the edge of the airstrip.
Although weighing 39-tonnes it has a top speed of 72 mph - which Fire Station Manager Ian Spiller says is crucial.
"The airport is like a fenced city and we have to be anywhere on the airfield within two minutes and not exceeding three – so speed is of the essence."
The fire engine can carry 12,000 litres of water, 1,700 litres of foam and also holds a dry powder system meaning it can fight many different types of blaze.
On its roof is a large distinctive 'snozzle' - similar to that found on a garden sprinkler - which is attached to an extendable arm.
The tip can pierce through an aircraft's fuselage and precisely target a fire with foam or water.
In an emergency this could be done while passengers are still evacuating the plane to create a safer environment on board.
Firefighter Jordan Spear, who's been trained to drive the new vehicle, said it is a welcome addition to the fleet: "It's an amazing bit of kit - the technology is second-to-none - much better than the older trucks we used to have, it's top of the range."
The vehicle comes compete with an infra-red imaging camera, spotlights, ladders and many additional on-board tools to tackle a range of emergencies.
By law every UK airport with fare-paying passengers has to provide a resident fire service.
