FIRE and Rescue NSW’s latest aerial pumper has rolled off the production line, headed for its new home at Penrith Fire Station.

Valued at $2.5m, the state-of-the-art appliance is the latest of 11 new aerial platforms, strategically placed to protect the state’s built-up areas from high-rise emergencies.

The truck boasts Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) technology, which means not only can it extend upwards 24-metres, it can pump out a mix of foam and water at 6000 litres a minute, faster than any other pumper in the FRNSW fleet.

Its tanks can hold 1,650 litres of water and 250 litres of foam.

The vehicle has just been stowed with equipment following a series of familiarity training sessions with the Penrith crew.

Not only can the crew use its remote controls to put out high-rise fires, the truck has a lateral reach of 11-metres, allowing it to reach over an industrial complex roof and it can lower three metres to reach people or vehicles trapped down embankments.

“The aerial pumper is part of an aerial fleet replacement program, ensuring our rising skylines are protected during emergencies,” Member for Penrith,” Ms Karen McKeown OAM MP said.

“This aerial fire fighting equipment is an important asset for Penrith, joining the existing aerial fleet to safeguard our major cities and the region.”

FRNSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell said:

“The most recent additions to the aerial fleet have been strategically positioned to respond to emergencies across all parts of Sydney as well as Newcastle, Wollongong and the Central Coast.”

“Whether it’s a rescue from a skyscraper in the Sydney CBD or a fire in a large factory complex in the city’s west, our aerial units mean we’ve got it covered and we’re ‘Prepared for Anything.”