Victoria Airport Authority (VAA) has acquired a new fire truck to add to its existing fleet.
The 2024 Striker 6x6 arrived at the airport operation centre on Dec. 23 from the manufacturer in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Purchased for $2.1 million, the airport rescue and firefighting (ARFF) vehicle will replace one of the airport's four current fire trucks.
"The safety of the passenger within the airport grounds is our primary responsibility and requires significant investment," said VAA CEO Elizabeth Brown. "This truck will enhance YYJ’s ability to respond in a timely manner to on-airport and aircraft fires and other emergencies."
According to fire captain Mark Armstrong, the Oshkosh fire truck, known as "Red 2" is a new model for the airport fire rescue department. "We have only ever used trucks from Rosenbauer in the past. Very few fire truck manufacturers are able to meet the demands of an airport emergency response. One of the biggest is Oshkosh."
According to Armstrong, crew training is now in progress and the new fire truck should be put into service later this month.
The fuel-efficient vehicle, which runs on regular diesel, has a lower carbon footprint than earlier models.
The highly specialized vehicle, which is replacing "Red 7", also features a snozzle – an extendable arm on the vehicle's roof with a piercing tip length designed to reach cargo containers from any angle.
Another cutting-edge feature of the Red 2 is an infrared thermal imaging camera with 360-degree imaging visibility.
In the event of a cargo fire, for instance, the thermal camera can assist in locating the fire's hot spot. Then, using the snozzle, pierce a hole through the fuselage side directly to the fire's seat and apply foam and water to put out the fire.
VAA said another Striker vehicle has been ordered and is expected to arrive in 2027.
