Humberside Fire and Rescue Service has become the first UK fire and rescue authority to introduce a new generation Scania L-series fire appliance into service. Equipped with Scania’s all-new low entry cab, the vehicle carries an aerial ladder platform (ALP), which at 45m is the joint highest in the country.
To achieve Humberside’s overall on-road height requirement of 3.55m and provide maximum manoeuvrability and a high level of visibility for the driver, the vehicle has been specified with a low height Scania L 360 B6x2*4 rear-steer chassis. Plated at 26-tonnes gross vehicle weight, the truck has Scania’s 360 horsepower, nine-litre engine and is fitted with Scania’s CL20L all-steel safety cab, which in addition to two seats provides a generous storage area behind the seats.
The ALP is a Bronto Skylift FL45XR model supplied and fitted by Angloco Limited. This is the first of its type to be mounted on a Scania L-series chassis and only the second 45m ALP in the UK, the other being with Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. Compact and lightweight in construction, the ALP stows to less than 12m overall length for transportation. Its cage can raise 500kg vertically with the load monitored automatically, and there is an integrated, space-saving 3,800-litre per minute capacity water nozzle. Lightweight co-polymer bodywork, aluminium roller shutter doors and locker space for auxiliary equipment completes the bodywork specification.
“We operate a 65-strong all-Scania fleet of heavy fire appliances, and are proud to be the first UK fire and rescue service to adopt the new L-series,” said Andy Day, Fleet and Operational Equipment Manager for Humberside Fire and Rescue Service. “We continue to specify Scania for their build quality and longevity – our experience is that we see up to five extra years of service from Scania chassis compared to others we have operated in the past. We are planning to keep this latest addition to our fleet for 20 years, during which it will be initially based at our Calvert Lane fire station in Hull – where its height means it will be capable of reaching the top of every residential building in the city.”
For Scania, Specialist Sales Manager – Fire and Airside, David Carter says, “Humberside is a long-established Scania operator and we are delighted to see this new breed of low-height ALP enter service with them. The vehicle represents a joint-development project between Humberside, Angloco and Scania, and we now look forward to seeing it deliver many years of successful front line service.”
The Humberside Fire and Rescue Service ALP sports a unique Remembrance wrap livery. The service has an established programme of wraps carrying a variety of messages, and the Remembrance livery was suggested by a member of its own staff. Sponsored by local company, Designs Signage Solutions Limited, the wrap was launched at a special ceremony at the Hull Cenotaph.
