MIAMI - The Miami-Dade Fire Department has added a Rosenbauer Airwolf Quick Response Vehicle (QRV) to its operations at the recently opened Miami Rental Car Center (RCC).

The equipment is designed to fight fires in structures like the four-story Miami RCC with parking ramps and garages where traditional fire trucks cannot go due to their size and weight. Operated by four specially trained firefighters, the QRV will be used to enhance response time in case of a fire or other incident involving the fueling system at the RCC.

"When we developed the RCC's multi-level fueling system, we worked extensively with the Miami-Dade County Fire Marshal and others developing a life safety program," according to Gus Pego, FDOT District Six secretary. "Having such an advanced piece of machinery on site protects our RCC users."

Able to maneuver inside tight areas of the RCC, the firefighting system is mounted on a Ford F450 crew cab. Similar to a carwash pump, foam and water are injected into the ultra-high pressure pump which atomizes water droplets and enhances firefighting capabilities while reducing the amount of water used. The water tank holds 200 gallons with an attached 15 gallon foam tank and is equipped with a Rosenbauer Ultra High Pressure Pump, producing 14 gallons per minute at pressure of 1400 pounds per square inch through a hose attached to a 130-foot reel.

In addition to providing the power of a larger pump-type truck, other features include a 200-pound dry chemical system attached to a 100-foot hose, Whelen LED emergency lighting, and specialized hand tools and EMS equipment.