Firefighters get £1.3m new engines to tackle blazes

The new fire engines will based in Burton-upon-Trent and Longton, Stoke-on-Trent.

A fire service has spent £1.3m on two new fire engines which it says will improve its response to fires.

The aerial ladder platforms will be based in Burton-upon-Trent and Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, from February, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said.

The engines are used to tackle fires from above and with rescues from tall buildings.

Chief Fire Officer Rob Barber said the investment was important to update the service.

The new fire engines have cost £1.3m

The cages on the ladders of the vehicles are big enough for wheelchairs, the service says.

The ladders extend further than older, similar vehicles and so can be used to reach longer distances, they add.