Les pompiers de Bruxelles possèdent la plus haute échelle d'Europe
Cet été, de nombreux touristes ont peut-être eu l'air un peu surpris lorsqu'un camion-échelle de 12 mètres des pompiers a déboulé sur la Grand-Place de Bruxelles. Mais l'inquiétude a vite fait place à l'émerveillement. Les pompiers venaient présenter leur nouvel engin au cœur de Bruxelles.
The terrible inferno at London's Grenfell Tower apartment block in 2017, in which 72 people lost their lives, sharpened the focus of Brussels authorities and the fire brigade on citizen safety. It was the signal to invest heavily in additional security: modern technology, quality infrastructure such as vehicles, barracks, and equipment, as well as education and training. The fleet gained four ladder trucks and 36 fully equipped ambulances.
But the highlight among the acquisitions is the new 12-metre-long, 30-tonne ladder truck, equipped with a whopping 64-metre-long fire ladder that fully extends in 40 seconds. You can rescue victims up to the 20th floor with it. Add to this the powerful water jet - 2,500 l per minute at 10 bar - of the fire hose and you can tackle flames of up to more than 64 m high.
From now on, Belgium also has its Beast, the pet name for this super ladder truck that joined the fleet of the fire brigade with a salute of honour and ample interest.