Fire and Rescue NSW will add two new 45-metre aerial ladder trucks to its Greater Sydney fleet under a $5.2 million investment aimed at strengthening response capability for high-rise fires and complex rescues.
The two vehicles, valued at around $2.6 million each, will be stationed at Glebe and Parramatta. They have been assembled by Alexander Perrie and Co. at its Kirrawee facility in southern Sydney.
Designed for High-Rise Fires and Complex Rescues
Aerial ladder platforms combine a hydraulic platform with an extendable ladder and are used for high-level firefighting and rescue operations.
The new vehicles can extend to 45 metres and carry loads of up to 500 kilograms, allowing the platform to accommodate firefighters, rescue equipment, wheelchairs and emergency stretchers.
They can also extend below ground level, which can assist crews during rescues involving vehicles that have travelled down embankments, and can reach over large industrial buildings during factory fires.
FRNSW defines aerial firefighting appliances as vehicles with a vertical reach of at least 29 metres that are designed for high-level firefighting or rescue.
Thermal Imaging and Remote Operation
The new trucks include thermal imaging cameras capable of transmitting live images from an incident to the FRNSW Command Centre.
Firefighters can also operate the platform remotely from a safer position when required.
An onboard computer can record ladder positions and automatically return the platform to a previously selected location during an operation, reducing the need to repeatedly reposition the equipment manually.
Part of 28-Vehicle Aerial Fleet
FRNSW currently operates nine ladder trucks as part of a 28-vehicle aerial fleet.
Similar aerial platforms have previously been deployed at major incidents including the Wickham fire in Newcastle in 2022, the Surry Hills building fire in 2023 and the North St Marys fire in 2025.
Additional aerial platforms have also recently been stationed at locations including Manly, the City of Sydney, Kogarah, Darlinghurst and Woollahra.
Broader Firefighting Fleet Investment
The two new aerial ladder trucks form part of broader investment in Fire and Rescue NSW vehicles and infrastructure.
Around $24 million has been allocated in 2026–27 for replacement fire trucks, aerial appliances and support vehicles, as part of more than $105 million in FRNSW capital expenditure for the financial year.
Separately, FRNSW has purchased 45 new firefighting trucks over the past two financial years, including 28 scheduled for delivery during 2026–27.
The new Glebe and Parramatta aerial platforms will now join the operational fleet as FRNSW continues replacing and upgrading specialist firefighting vehicles across NSW.
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