A Finnish voluntary firefighting brigade, Pirkanmaan Volunteer Fire Brigade (VPK), has set a new standard in firefighting operations by deploying a specialized excavator designed for rescue missions. The unit is identified as unit “554,” which in Finnish emergency services refers to post-damage control and mitigation unit. This Hitachi Zaxis 225 model is tailored specifically to meet the demands of firefighting operations. The 25-ton short-tail crawler excavator, paired with its dedicated transport trailer, is a pioneering tool in fire suppression and rescue efforts. With advanced equipment and a highly trained crew, this solution is redefining the firefighting landscape.
Advanced Fire Suppression and Demolition Capabilities
The firefighting excavator is equipped with a demolition grab and an advanced high-pressure firefighting system, built on the DYNASET HPW-DUST Hydraulic High Pressure Dust Suppression system. This cutting-edge system was designed and implemented in collaboration with Pirkanmaan Volunteer Fire Brigade (VPK) and Dynaset.
“The system features four nozzles: two positioned around the demolition grab function as safety mist nozzles, cooling the material being handled and protecting the grab and boom from flames. The other two nozzles, located beneath the boom, provide direct extinguishing with a range of 10–15 meters (32-49 ft), ideal for targeting structures beneath roofs and such. For maximum flexibility, all four nozzles can be directed into the grab as needed, ensuring precision and adaptability during operations,“ explained Henrik Joki, the chairperson of the Pirkanmaa Volunteer Fire Brigade (VPK) Board and one of the key figures behind this project.”
The excavator is also equipped with a 500-liter (132 gallon) onboard water tank, providing approximately 12–15 minutes of autonomous operation at a flow rate of 40 liters (10,57 Gallons) per minute and 220 bar (3191 psi) pressure. For extended missions, the excavator and its tank can be connected to an external water source, such as a tank truck, via a two-inch claw coupler located at the rear. Strategically placed overflow pipe ensures easy monitoring of the filling process by the tank truck operator from a distance.
The system also includes a power washing pistol with a hose reel, featuring interchangeable standard cleaning and long-range firefighting nozzles, further enhancing its versatility. But how about the operators breathing during a mission? Obviously, it has been taken care of, and the excavator is equipped with an integrated Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), featuring twin air cylinders that provide up to two hours of breathable air.
“The SCBA integration simplifies operations; the operator simply puts on the mask in the cabin and opens the valve. As the workload inside the cabin is relatively low, there is more than enough air in the twin-cylinder system,” Joki noted.
Heavy Rescue Unit for Safe Operation in Building Fires
The need for heavy equipment at incident sites has often been apparent. Delays in deploying clearance equipment can waste valuable time, compromising both efficiency and safety. This firefighting excavator addresses those challenges by enhancing operational speed and significantly improving occupational safety. It reduces rescuers’ exposure to hazardous conditions and reduces the need for risky rooftop operations.
Subscribe to our Newsletter!
The unit is particularly indispensable in building fires, where it can demolish unstable structures while simultaneously extinguishing flames and making room for traditional extinguishing methods. Its demolition grab allows for precise removal of hazardous materials, while the integrated fire suppression system ensures continuous safety throughout operations.
“The unit was officially deployed in summer 2023, and we’ve already had multiple positive experiences with it. It has proven to be especially effective and technologically advanced in tackling building fires. Of course, we have photos of it in action for educational purposes, but we are unable to share them further,” Joki remarked.
Pictured from left: Rescue Director Mika Kontio, Chairman of the Board of Pirkanmaa VPK Henrik Joki, and Board Member of Pirkanmaa VPK Heikki Koskinen.
Wildfires Controlled with Precision: A bit more efficient than a person and shovel
In wildfire scenarios, the excavator is equipped with one of two digging buckets—either toothed or smooth-lipped—designed to dig trenches and create effective firebreaks to halt the spread of flames. This functionality allows firefighters to control the direction and intensity of wildfires with greater efficiency, particularly in challenging, rugged terrains.
Collaboration with a Local Manufacturer
The partnership between Pirkanmaan Volunteer Fire Brigade (VPK) and Dynaset has proven to be exceptionally productive. It all began in the fall of 2023.
“Last fall, I participated in the DYNASET Fire and Rescue Day in Pori, and that’s when the idea for this special firefighting system started to take shape. From the beginning, we decided to seek solutions as close to home as possible, and partnering with a local manufacturer turned out to be the perfect match. It’s truly a win-win situation,” explained Henrik Joki.
Having an excavator as part of rescue missions opens up a whole new world of possibilities. So, what’s next?
“We have many plans and ideas,” Joki shared. “One concept we’ve discussed is integrating a thermal camera onto the boom of the excavator, with its display installed in the cabin. This would allow operators to work with precision, even in heavy smoke with limited or zero visibility. But for now, we’ll keep the rest of our plans under wraps,” he concluded.
Finnish Manufacturer Dynaset: Powering Fire Departments Worldwide
Dynaset provides a range of reliable and powerful hydraulic solutions tailored for firefighting and rescue missions. Volunteer firefighter and Dynaset Marketing Manager Jyri Hartikainen highlights the potential impact of these products:
“Personally, the project has been incredibly exciting. Our company offers a wide range of useful equipment that could truly revolutionize the rescue sector. For example, the HSP Hydraulic Submersible Pump can outperform basic water supply pumps with ease. For example, the largest standard model produces 8500 liters (2245 gallons) per minute, meaning a 15,000-liter (3962 gallon) tank truck can be loaded in under two minutes. I’m particularly enthusiastic also about the possibilities that the FP Firefighting Piercing Kit offers if paired with an excavator. Normally, these kits are installed on boom lifts, but when attached to an excavator boom, they could extinguish attic fires safely through the roof. Since working on the roof of a burning building is always risky, this setup could provide an innovative and safer solution.”
Explore more about Dynaset’s solutions for firefighting and rescue operations:
- HAC Hydraulic Abrasive Cutting System: Enables firefighting through walls and doors as a cold-cutting extinguisher.
- HG Hydraulic Generator: Provides electricity on-site for various rescue operations. Learn how the HG Hydraulic Generator has proven to be reliable in rescue operations here.
- HPW-FIRE High Pressure Firefighting System: Ensures effective high-pressure fire suppression. Discover how this system enhances special-purpose trucks in India here.
- HPW High Pressure Water Pumps: Offers water mist protection for vehicle cabins and tires.
- HRU Hydraulic Rescue Unit: Powers rescue tools with the unmatched reliability of hydraulics.
- FP Firefighting Piercing Kit: Remote piercing kit for bucket truck and suc.
Discover the full range of products tailored for firefighting, rescue, and military applications at Dynaset’s website. For an in-depth look at how Dynaset products support firefighting and rescue operations, check out this collection article. With Dynaset, power and reliability are the keys to success in the most demanding situations.
