The new $2 million Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) appliances have enhanced rescue capabilities and can move up to 500 kilograms in a ‘bucket’ that can carry up to five firefighters, while also supporting wheelchair and emergency stretchers if needed.
The flagship trucks are the equal tallest in the FRNSW fleet, allowing our firefighters to reach emergencies up to 15 storeys in height.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib joined FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell, a former aerial ladder platform truck driver, to unveil the appliances which will be based at the City of Sydney and Kogarah fire stations.
Replacing existing ladder trucks, the new vehicles will see the City of Sydney’s tallest truck increase from 44 metres in reach, whilst the truck based in Kogarah will see an increase from 27 metres to 45 metres.
Enhanced technology on the vehicles includes the option for remote control from 100 metres and thermal imaging cameras to detect heat signals and transmit live images of an emergency to a central location.
The new trucks complement an expanded inner Sydney aerial fleet with two new 32-metre turntable ladder trucks also now in operation at Woollahra and Darlinghurst fire stations.
FRNSW has strategically located its ladder fleet across metropolitan and regional NSW and this investment supports growth as our urban skyline reaches new heights.
The updated trucks ensure the agency can continue to respond to large scale and intricate operations, including major fires in commercial buildings such as shopping centres, industrial complexes and multi-storey residential buildings.
Upgraded aerial ladder platform trucks are part of the NSW Government’s $18.6 million investment in 2024-25 for FRNSW’s annual Fleet Replacement Program.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
“These new fire trucks reflect our commitment to keeping the people and property of NSW protected from the dangers of fire.”
“These new vehicles are a more modern and capable version than the platforms they are replacing and are packed with new technology.”
“As the city’s skyline grows taller with new business and residential development, we are enhancing our ladder fleet and providing firefighters with new equipment to deal with high-rise emergencies.”
“The Minns Labor Government continues to provide our firefighters with modern vehicles, ensuring firefighters are prepared for anything, including elevated emergencies.”
FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said:
“Our priority is to ensure our fleet and equipment is best suited for the communities we serve, and these high-tech trucks provide firefighters with the best tools to protect the irreplaceable.”
“These modern aerial ladder platform trucks are the best when it comes to dealing with high-rise emergencies.”
“FRNSW deployed three of these specialised fire trucks to tackle the Surry Hills inferno in 2023, utilising their reach and manoeuvrability during the emergency.”
“These appliances can also be used to undertake rescues and conduct other non-fire operations such as evacuations, if needed.”
