The NSW Government has unveiled its latest aerial firefighting truck, a ‘Bronto’ Skylift ladder platform, capable of providing greater access during high-rise emergencies across Sydney’s Lower North Shore.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke joined Member for North Shore Felicity Wilson and Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Paul Baxter today to officially handover the new Bronto at Crows Nest Fire Station.
The Bronto’s ladder can extend 45 metres into the air, rising eight metres higher than Crows Nest’s former aerial truck and is capable of moving loads up to 500Kg.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said Crows Nest station responded to over 2000 emergencies in the last year and the addition of this new appliance reflects the urban growth on the Lower North Shore.
“The addition of the new Bronto is part of the government’s $37 million dollar investment in FRNSW’s aerial fleet. The NSW Government will continue to invest in leading equipment like this ‘Bronto’ Ladder platform which helps our firefighters prepare for anything, including elevated emergencies,” Ms Cooke said.
Member for North Shore Felicity Wilson said the new Bronto is one of 15 new aerial appliances, significantly boosting Fire and Rescue’s capabilities across the state.
“As North Sydney’s skyline grows higher with new business and residential developments, our emergency services’ ability to deal with high-rise emergencies must also increase,” Ms Wilson said.
Commissioner Baxter said the high-tech fire truck provides firefighters with the best tools to do their work, protecting the irreplaceable.
“We are always on the lookout for new equipment and technologies to help our crews adapt to the needs of their district. The Bronto’s addition to the FRNSW fleet allows firefighters to quickly reach multi-storey blazes and extinguish them more effectively,” Commissioner Baxter said.