The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has commissioned ten brand new, high-capacity firefighting vehicles for use at the nation’s airports.
The Lion class 6x6 major aerodrome rescue and fire fighting vehicles (MFFV) were manufactured by Turkey’s Volkan Fire Fighting Vehicles. Each has the capacity to carry 14,000 litres of water, 1,700 litres of foam, and 250kg powder capacity, and to discharge between 6,000 and 10,000 litres per minute. The trucks have an acceleration rate of 0-80km/h in 30 seconds, the ability to discharge while in motion, and feature chassis nozzles that enable them to tackle running fuel fire.
According to FAAN, the new vehicles will be deployed at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.
Captain Rabiu Hamisu Yadudu, managing director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria,
noted that comprehensive training programmes have been arranged for the users of the vehicles and the mechanical department to ensure the new trucks are not only used as specified by the manufacturers but also maintained accordingly. He added that eight new water tankers for continuous agent applications, 11 ambulances, two brand new response commanders’ vehicles, and aircraft removal and recovery equipment have also been procured and deployed to various airports across the country.
Yadudu concluded by charging the Air Rescue and Fire Fighting Department to make the best use of the newly commissioned equipment.
Image: Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria
