Three new fire appliances will protect lives and property in Lancashire

The move was approved by county councillors after fire chiefs said the appliances would enhance their ability to fight large-scale blazes or carry out rescues in high-rise buildings.

The Lancashire Combined Fire Authority approved a recommendation to buy two new Stinger-type fire appliances and a high-reach turntable ladder.

Chief Fire officer Justin Johnston welcomed the news and tweeted: "Our Aerial Appliance strategy is going from strength to strength."

A report to the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority said the current Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service provision of four specialist aerial appliances was based on a review conducted by LFRS in 2003/04.

An AT Stinger was introduced into service in 2017 and had operated successfully as a standard fire appliance, a higher volume pump and as a water tower.

The first Stinger and a second appliance brought into service in 2019 had proved very useful in fire-fighting situations.

The report also said that where turntable ladders excelled was in their reach; with some appliances able to access up to 68m.

Furthermore, the speed of operation was impressive, taking moments to site and deploy.

Experience at major incidents like the Cube student flats blaze in Bolton in 2019 proved the usefulness of a turntable ladder.

The report said: "In conclusion, a combination of high access aerial appliances that can be used as either a working platform or rescue function, or as a water tower in conjunction with a water tower type appliance that also functions as a B type appliance, provides the county with versatile assets and fleet options which can be flexibly deployed to achieve the swiftest and safest incident outcomes."

The new appliances were approved.