OAKLAND — Oakland International Airport rolled out some new firefighting technology.
Officially, the new firefighting trucks are called Rosenbauer Panther Aircraft Rescue Firefighting vehicles, but they look more like hi-tech tanks that haul a ton of water.
"This greatly enhances our aircraft rescue firefighting ability," said Oakland Fire Chief Darren White. The two rigs can each carry 3,000 gallons of water and another 400 gallons of firefighting foam, he said.
Like other airport fire trucks, the rigs have to ability to "pump and roll," or in other words they can spray water while rushing toward an emergency.
The Panthers cost the Port of Oakland $1.4 million and were tested right away with an emergency exercise. Officials simulated a situation in which a plane had been taken down by a drone.
Airport officials said that such a scenario is not beyond the realm of possibility.
