Fire Engines Photos

A total of 12 such units were put into service by the canton of Zurich basically in the 90ties, though on different bodies but with the same equipment: 5'000 liters of water, 1'500 liters of foam and 1'500 kg dry chemical. Jaws of life, light post, generator etc. completed the equipment.

Added by Richard Jud on 21 November 2013.

Neat folding step installation - overcomes the problem of having so many wheel arches!

But, even with all this locker space, there are still additional stowage containers on the roof.

This looks as if it probably has a really high capacity pump. Did our Swiss brothers reveal any details?

Added by Rob Johnson on 21 November 2013.

how many shins would easily be hurt on the rear step in the dark, ouch!!

Added by Alan Ramsay on 21 November 2013.

These units are officially called Universal pumper as they carry different fire fighting stuff. The pump has a capacity of a minimum of 4'200 liters/min. by 8 bars and 300 liters by 40 bars. The total weight of the rig does not exceed 28 tons, the motor has to deliver a minimum of 500 horse power. Bodies used are Iveco and Scania. The first rig put into service was built on a Volvo F12 chassis. This rig has been decommissioned in 2012.

Added by Richard Jud on 21 November 2013.

Thanks Richard.

A lot of firefighting capacity all rolled into a single package! I once saw one of these beauties responding to an incident in Zurich, and I have wondered ever since about what it was. At the time, I guessed it might be a tanker, but I then thought it could more likely be a rescue truck, because a city like Zurich would not need a huge 10, 000 or 12, 000 liter tank truck.

Now I know both my ideas were completely wrong!

Added by Rob Johnson on 06 December 2013.

Rob;

These pumpers are being used as support units on bigger incidents. They not only respond within the city limits but also in the entire region whenever needed. In addition, these rigs respond as first units on accidents on the highways, where they can work completely independent and water and/or foam supply is not right away available.

Alan: Thanks for your comment: I can assure you that there has never been an accident while using these vehicles and they have been on duty for the last 15 years and are still running.
Richard

Added by Richard Jud on 07 December 2013.

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