Mayor Tory and Toronto Fire Services Chief Matthew Pegg unveil North America’s tallest firefighting apparatus
News Release May 4, 2022
Today, Mayor John Tory and Matthew Pegg, Toronto Fire Services Chief and General Manager unveiled Toronto’s newest piece of specialized firefighting and rescue equipment the Bronto Skylift 70m articulated aerial unit, nicknamed “Tower 1.”
Tower 1 is the tallest firefighting apparatus in North America and, at full extension, the aerial platform will reach an elevation of 70 metres, or 230 feet, from the ground to the base of platform, which is approximately 22 storeys high. Tower 1 reaches double the height of Toronto’s next tallest aerial apparatus that can reach 11 storeys. The new apparatus will provide Toronto Fire Services with much-needed operational versatility and extra protection in a “vertical city” that is expected to continue to grow in height and density over the coming decades.
A recent report by international consultancy firm Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) found that Toronto has the most active construction cranes among 14 major cities in North America, having led the crane count since 2015. The number of fixed cranes on construction sites increased 21 per cent in the first quarter of 2022, with increases seen in commercial, residential and mixed-use projects.
The truck will be stationed downtown at 207 Front St. E., where there is the greatest density of high rises, but can be redeployed where needed to help with fighting fires, search and rescue, industrial emergencies, rope rescues such as at the Scarborough Bluffs and more. Specialized training of staff is underway.
Tower 1 will also provide Toronto firefighters with an unparalleled ability to get above and over top of buildings and to work around overhead obstructions that are common in the high-density urban areas of Toronto.
The high volume, master stream nozzle at the end of the platform is capable of flowing up to 3,800 litres of water per minute, providing crews with enhanced aerial firefighting capabilities.
Quotes:
“It’s no secret that Toronto is getting taller. You can see the evidence throughout the downtown skyline and beyond of the many cranes at work. Having firefighting equipment that can ensure the health and safety of residents living in high rises and the firefighters who attend these buildings just makes sense.”
- Mayor John Tory
“The addition of this 70 metre articulating aerial platform into Toronto Fire Services fleet represents a significant enhancement to the already world-class levels of fire protection services provided in Canada’s largest and most diverse city. This resource will become even more important as Toronto continues to become increasingly vertical and dense in the years to come.”
- Matthew Pegg, Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services
Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter Opens in new window, Instagram Opens in new windowor Facebook Opens in new window.
Toronto Fire Services Public Information Office
416-338-0763
firemedia@toronto.ca