Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has completed a successful twelve-month trial of the innovative ‘AT-Stinger’ fire appliance from Yorkshire-based fire and rescue vehicle manufacturer, Rosenbauer UK.
The truck, which was leased to the service, will now be purchased alongside the procurement of a second unit, which is due for delivery in 2018.
Throughout 2017, Blackburn’s firefighters put the rented AT-Stinger – which is the latest in municipal firefighting technology – through its paces. During this period, the truck proved itself as the most effective appliance in Lancashire’s fleet.
Alongside the successful execution of demanding tasks in Lancashire, the leased AT-Stinger was also deployed cross-border into Greater Manchester and North Yorkshire to assist with various complex incidents, which it successfully executed on every occasion.
The AT-Stinger concept was devised by Rosenbauer UK in 2015, in conjunction with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service. The goal, from both parties, was to redefine the standard in aggressive firefighting capability, while maintaining the ability to react to smaller incidents too.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has since released an official report, attesting to the robustness, versatility and capability of the AT-Stinger, which is available for other UK Fire and Rescue Services to use.
Prior to the development of the AT-Stinger, various trials, user feedback and Union consultation indicated that a new firefighting tool was needed.
The result was a truck that delivers 4,500 litres per minute, if required, over a distance of 85 metres. This water delivery capacity is greater than that of two standard fire trucks and a £500,000 specialist aerial appliance.
In conjunction with the initial demands, Rosenbauer UK also developed the 16.5m ‘Stinger’ boom package. This tool is capable of penetrating a roof of a building, wall or window before releasing 1,000 litres per minute of water from the injected spike.
This device ensures that fires are tackled with almost immediate effect from arriving at the scene, dramatically reducing blazing compartment temperatures and allowing the crew to enter the building.
“Lives have been saved, as have millions of pounds worth of commercial and residential property, due to the capability of the AT-Stinger,” commented Rosenbauer UK’s managing director, Oliver North.
“We are all impressed by the huge impact which the truck has made on the front line in Lancashire. But innovation is only as good as those who embrace it, and I have to say, Blackburn’s firefighters have been nothing short of world-class in proving this concept.
“They have pushed this new technology to its limit whilst in-turn providing unseen and, arguably, unrivalled results, nationwide. As a manufacturer of both standard and aerial appliances, it is clear there isn’t an appliance available on the market which offers this level of durability, aggression and, most importantly, fire fighter safety.”
The second AT-Stinger is planned into Rosenbauer UK’s production schedule and is anticipated for delivery in late 2018.
