Humberside Fire and Rescue Service is proud to announce the addition of a new 42‑metre turntable ladder (TL) to its operational fleet, replacing the Service’s long‑serving Aerial Ladder Platform (ALP) with a more advanced and efficient model.
Earlier today, the Service showcased the turntable ladder’s capabilities during a demonstration at high‑rise flats, delivered in partnership with Ongo.
Phil Shillito, Chief Fire Officer, said, “This state‑of‑the‑art turntable ladder represents a major step forward in how we protect our communities and our firefighters.
“By basing the vehicle in Scunthorpe, we are significantly strengthening high‑reach fire and rescue capability on both banks of the Humber, improving our resilience and our ability to respond to some of the most challenging incidents.
“As the world’s highest articulated turntable ladder, which is the first to be brought into operational service in the UK, it sets a new benchmark for fire and rescue capability nationwide.”
Steve Shelley, Fire and Asbestos Compliance Lead at Ongo, said, “We’re delighted to be supporting Humberside Fire and Rescue Service to showcase this incredible new technology. We have a strong and well‑established relationship with them, which continues to go from strength to strength.
“Seeing the turntable ladder in action is very reassuring for our tenants living in high‑rise buildings, reinforcing their safety and peace of mind, and we’re proud to play our part in initiatives that help keep our communities safe.”
Among the key upgrades is a much quicker and smoother operation, reducing response times and enabling firefighters to carry out rescues more efficiently.
The new model also features an increased cage capacity of 200kg, making it better suited for rescuing multiple casualties and enhancing the Service’s bariatric rescue capability.
Its multi-purpose crane functionality allows crews to lift and lower loads of up to 4,000kg, supporting a wide range of operational scenarios beyond firefighting.
The turntable ladder is equipped with cage and cab mounted thermal imaging cameras, helping crews locate missing persons and identify hidden dangers during building fires. Enhanced lighting and increased outreach also enable firefighters to access areas that were previously beyond the reach of the ALP.
Designed by firefighters, for firefighters, the vehicle incorporates a clean cab concept, supporting the health, safety and wellbeing of our firefighters.