Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has completed a successful 12-month trial of the innovative ‘AT-Stinger’ fire appliance from Rosenbauer UK – a global market leader in the supply of fire fighting vehicles.
The leased truck will now be purchased by the service, alongside the procurement of a second unit, which is due for delivery in 2018.
Throughout 2017, the service has put the rented AT-Stinger through its paces. During this period, the truck has proven itself at countless incidents, from the busy station of Blackburn. 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.
Rosenbauer UK devised the AT-Stinger concept in 2015, in conjunction with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service. The goal, from both parties, was to redefine the standard in aggressive fire fighting capability, while having 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 fire fighting tool was needed. The truck’s criteria were clear; an advanced pump, self-sufficiency and something that didn’t fall within the typical ‘aerial appliance’ category. It also required the ability to react to small incidents while, significantly, carrying six highly skilled firefighters.
The result was a truck that delivers 4500l/min, if required, over a distance of 85m. This capability of water delivery is powered by its own Rosenbauer ‘NH45’ pump, which is ordinarily used as a base pump to feed multiple units.
In conjunction with the initial demands, Rosenbauer UK also developed the 16.5m ‘Stinger’ boom package with wireless operator controls and a highly-effective piercing tool. This is capable of penetrating a roof of a building, wall or window before releasing 1000l/min 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,” said 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.
