Europe's tallest ladder truck has been delivered to Brussels fire brigade, with Brussels Minister-President Rudi Vervoort and Brussels State Secretary in charge of Firefighting Ans Persoons inaugurating the vehicle, which features an impressive 64-metre ladder.
This new ladder truck greatly enhances the operational capabilities of the Brussels fire brigade, especially when the force has to intervene at height in emergency situations.
"This new ladder truck is not only a first in Belgium but also in Europe," said Vervoort. "This ladder truck is a real 'skyscraper' of almost 64 metres high. It shows how much importance we attach to safety, preparation and cooperation to be ready for the most critical situations."
"In recent years, we have worked to develop an integrated vision for security in Brussels. Today, the Brussels Region is a model for the rest of the country in terms of emergency response," he said. "The recent investments and those planned for the coming years show the extent of our joint commitment."
Grenfell Tower
With this new truck, the Brussels authorities are anticipating future emergencies. Brussels has a lot of tall buildings and this new 64-metre ladder will allow its firefighters to respond even more efficiently, safely and quickly to emergencies taking place at height.
"The safety of citizens is the priority for every government. We, therefore, invest heavily in quality infrastructure and modern technology such as vehicles, barracks and equipment," Persoons said.
A purchase procedure was launched for the truck after the tragic fire of 14 June 2017 at Grenfell Tower in London, explained Tanguy du Bus de Warnaffe, chief constable of the Brussels fire brigade. In light of that tragedy, it appeared necessary to purchase an effective vehicle that would enable fast, safe and decisive interventions at similar buildings in Brussels.
"The range of this top-quality rescue machine is double that of our current ladder trucks. So we will be able to carry out rescues and evacuations much more effectively," he said.
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"Thanks to the water cannon, we can fight fires in tall buildings, such as towers, churches and on roofs, more effectively. We are proud that this vehicle will be part of our operational fleet," du Bus de Warnaffe said. "It demonstrates our continued commitment to the safety of the people of Brussels, in close cooperation with our supervisory authorities."
The truck weighs 30 tonnes, measures 12 metres in length and 2.5 metres in width, has an aerial platform that can carry 300 kilograms (or three people in equipment), and a ladder of 64 metres. Its lift platform can go up and down in 40 seconds, at a speed of 1.6 metres per second, and its hose can handle 2,500 litres per minute at 10 bars.
In addition to the new ladder truck, the fleet was also completely renewed and supplemented; 36 fully equipped ambulances, 12 new car pumps, four 30-metre ladder trucks, a mobile command post, a decontamination container and six electric liaison vehicles were purchased. With the arrival of the electric vehicles, a telescopic ladder for relocation and several fire containers were also purchased.
Credit: Office of Ans Persoons
Credit: Office of Ans Persoons
Credit: Office of Ans Persoons
