South Dakota City’s New Fire Truck an Aircraft Specialist

The Rapid City Fire Department has a new truck designed to put out fires on large aircraft.

KEVN television reports that the $572,000 truck uses chemical suppressing agents, water and foam to combat flames.

Officials say it’s worth the hefty price tag because fighting an airplane fire is very different from a structure fire.

Lt. Shawn Barrows says aircraft fires involve petroleum, oils and lubricants, and that takes a different fire-fighting strategy and a different type of extinguishing agents.

The 665-horsepower truck can move up to 70 miles per hour and its front windshield is slanted to deflect heat. It also comes with infrared equipment so firefighters can see more clearly.

The truck was paid for by the Federal Aviation Administration.