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A new turntable ladder has been added to Guernsey Fire & Rescue’s Fleet, bringing its capability into the 21st Century.
The previous turntable ladder was more than two decades old, having served five years beyond its expected lifespan, but was becoming increasingly prone to mechanical issues. This bespoke fire engine is fitted with the latest fire-fighting technology.
"We have had a turntable ladder within the fleet for 40 years, and with more high rise and large buildings in Guernsey than ever before, there has never been a greater need for us to have one," Chief Fire Officer Jon Le Page said.
"We will shortly begin a four-month training programme to ensure sufficient GFRS personnel are trained in operating it. Full operational capacity is expected to be achieved in early 2020. Everyone will remember the Bulwer Avenue fire from last year, and the turntable ladder was vital in tackling that. More recently it was used to repair the roof tiles at Guernsey Airport during a storm – showing what a wide range of callouts this versatile vehicle can be used for.
“It should serve the island well for many years to come.”
Following a competitive tender process, Emergency One (UK) Ltd. were awarded the contract and have delivered the specialist fire vehicle ahead of schedule and under its £700,000 approved budget.
Pictured: the new fire engine.
Because of the larger number of buildings above three-storeys, it is expected the fire vehicle will mostly be used in St Peter Port. It also allows the capability of a “foam attack” on the fuel facilities near St Sampson’s Harbour and the power station.
Aside from fire-fighting, it can be used as a high-level lighting platform, as the cage has spotlights, an emergency gangway for vessels on fire in the harbour, an emergency crane with a maximum lifting capacity of two tonnes and be deployed in wind speeds up to gale force seven – enabling safer access during stormy weather at chimney fires. It can also assist the Cliff Rescue Team.
“Although a GFRS vehicle, the turntable ladder is used to assist all three emergency services – previously having been used with the police to assist in searches and St John Ambulance to help remove workers from rooftop accidents on building sites,” Chief Le Page added.
Like its predecessor, this new ladder is capable of reaching a maximum height of 32 metres above ground level. However, this updated ladder has the added capability of being able to reach down over an elevated obstruction, thanks to the addition of an articulated ‘knuckle’ type of pivot on the highest section of the ladder.
Pictured top: The new engine with the ladder.
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