Fire Engines Photos

These seem to be carrying no ground ladders. I guess this is not a big deal if they are assigned to two pump stations, where the other pump is carrying a normal ladder load. But if they are at single pump stations-which are increasingly popular these days-the absence of ladders may be a problem. I do wonder how the two older units have performed, as it seems their limited range and piercing capacity may have had rather few actual practical applications.

ED: I understand they have proved very useful in Lancs - hence the new order. Probably mainly as water towers with so many recycling centre fires.....

Added by Rob Johnson on 28 June 2025.

These often massive outdoor fires have certainly become a new problem for many urban fire services. Big water at low elevations with good range are needed, and it’s easy to see how these might be very useful, especially with limited staffing these days. As for structural fires, I have to continue to be a bit skeptical.

ED: see more here on the original pair

www.fireflash-delta64.co.uk/stinger.html

and

www.fireflash-delta64.co.uk/nealeschorley130722.html



Added by Rob Johnson on 30 June 2025.

They carry a 9 metre plus a small triple extension ladder. Lancaster on the run as 1st attendance with a retained PL as second.


Added by Neal Glover on 30 June 2025.

Glad to hear it. The photo with that odd structure behind the appliance does not make the ladder storage all that obvious. The piercing nozzle was originally designed for rather thin aluminum aircraft fuselage penetration. Unless the specification has been significantly upgraded, I am not sure it will be effective on many building structures except for light metal industrial buildings walls or roof. One positive aspect is that the addition of the booms does not add a punishing amount of extra weight, unlike the Magirus Multistar, when was dangerously top heavy and unstable on the road.

Added by Rob Johnson on 09 September 2025.

They need a large water supply to be effective or better than a TL/ALP.

Added by Neal Glover on 10 September 2025.

The original concept as developed by Glasgow FB in the late 1960s ( the Scoosher) had a power extended 45 foot ladder strapped to the lower boom

Added by Neal Glover on 11 September 2025.

I do have to wonder if they are actually going to prove to be any more useful than the ill fated 15 metre PHP appliances which were all the rage for a few years - but mostly ended up being sold off very quickly or placed into reserve status. After quite a lot of looking around I never found a single case of any brigade replacing any of their PHPs with another one…..

Added by Rob Johnson on 12 September 2025.

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