Isuzu enhances Tasmania Fire Service

Isuzu Australia Limited has worked with Tasmania Fire Service to bring an even higher level of safety and efficiency to its popular fire services model, the NPS 300 4x4 Crew.

Debuting at last year's Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council (AFAC) expo, the customised truck features Australia's first integrated compressed air foam system (CAFS), plus additional water capacity and a new high-tech communications function.

The extras were possible because Isuzu was able to lift the GVM of the truck in either single or crew formats from 6500 kilograms to 7500 kilograms.

Tasmania Fire Service Fleet Manager Leon 'Alfie' Smith says TFS wanted to work with Isuzu to push the boundaries of fire-fighting equipment.

"In conjunction with IAL, we wanted to see what we could actually bring to the industry, and we think the ability to integrate the CAFS onto a platform of this size has been a bit of a game changer on a national level," he said.

"Traditionally it has been a 10 tonne chassis with the same amount of water, without compressed air foam on it. Being able to have a smaller vehicle with a big water capacity gives significantly more flexibility in the off-road firefighting application."

Alfie says the extra 1000 kilograms of payload brought it a great opportunity.

"When we set out to actually scope the defined role and capabilities at 7.5 tonne compared to the previous 6.5 we had, there was clearly an opportunity to look at what could be achieved with that extra 1000 kilograms of available mass.

"We wanted to increase water capacity and to bring along some of the value-add components, like embracing the compressed air foam capabilities onto the platform."

The end result saw the truck able to carry an extra 500 litre of water and the CAFS set-up.

TFS says the truck is a winner on many fronts, from its driver and passenger airbags to its easy cabin access and egress.

"With the NPS 300 4x4 we haven't had to modify the grab rails or the steps, as they were already ideal for what we needed – that is something that's been achieved through liaison with the industry previously and that's a credit to Isuzu," says Alfie.

Isuzu's 4HK1-TCN engine produces 118kW at 2600rpm and 419Nm from 1600rpm to 2600rpm, making it a gutsy proposition for both urban and off-road applications.

TFS has also implemented its own advanced safety communication systems to help keep their fire fighters safe out in the field.

"We have a crew detection system activated in this vehicle which enables us to see who the occupants of the truck are, where it's located, how much water and foam is on board, how and how much they're using during a fire," says Alfie.

"From there we can make tactical decisions about how long the duration will be before they'll need additional help.

"As a package, considering the ergonomics, what it can achieve for firefighting effectiveness, and the enhanced crew safety systems; our new NPS set-up is absolutely a ground breaker."

Watch the clip below to see the new TFS Isuzu NPS 300 4x4 Crew in action…