Bristol Airport has enhanced its emergency response by investing in an additional state-of-the-art fire vehicle.

The airport has received a new addition to their fleet of third generation Oshkosh Striker Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicle, having been the first UK airport to use one back in 2022.

The main fleet now compromises of three of these fire engines, all benefitting from the same high-tech equipment.

The 39-tonne fire vehicle has the capabilities of carrying a four-person crew and has a 700BHP engine with a top speed of 72mph.

The vehicle carries 12,000 litres of water, 1,700 litres of foam and a 6,000 litres per minute water pump, with rear steering axel offering high and low speed maneuverer ability.

It has a distinctive snozzle – an extendable arm on the vehicle’s roof that can pierce through an aircraft’s fuselage to target a fire with foam and water. It is also equipped with infrared thermal imaging camera.

Graeme Gamble, chief operating officer at Bristol Airport, said: “The fire and rescue service here at Bristol Airport is a critical part of our operation and our priority is the safety of passengers and colleagues in all operations. The fire team are permanently on call day and night and ready to respond to any eventuality.

“The additional Oshkosh Striker 3.0 will ensure that our teams are ready and equipped with the very latest in firefighting technology on the market. This investment will continue to allow our teams to respond to any emergencies quickly and effectively.

“Over the past few years, we have been impressed with the performance of the Oshkosh Striker 3.0 fire truck. Now that Bristol Airport has three third-generation Oshkosh Striker ARFF vehicles on site, this will ensure that our fire department has the latest equipment for the years ahead.”