• The Lünen fire department deploys a Unimog fire-fighting vehicle, which is intended for use on vegetation and forest fires, floods and storm events
• The vehicle has a 3,000-liter water tank, a roof hatch for extinguishing fires while driving and technical equipment for operations in rough terrain
•  Double the operational strength: The modernized 38 years old Unimog U 1550L will remain in the fleet and complement the new Unimog U 5023 

Lünen / Leinfelden-Echterdingen - The Lünen fire department uses a high-terrain Unimog with a special water tank superstructure for a wide range of tasks. The vehicle supports the team in the areas of vegetation and forest fires, flooding and storm events.

Due to the long periods of drought in recent years, the focus in Lünen, as in many other regions, is increasingly on fighting forest fires. In the Westphalian town on the river Lippe, there is also the other extreme: heavy rainfall events, which have often led to flooding in Lünen. In addition to firefighting, the local fire department's range of operations therefore also includes taking acute protective measures in the event of flooding, pumping out water that has entered buildings and evacuating people in affected districts. 

For such versatile operations, the Lünen fire department, with around 350 professional and volunteer firefighters, deploys a Unimog with a high foding ability, water tank and roof hatch for firefighting even while driving from the cab roof. The Unimog, which has been converted by Schlingmann, complies with the DIN-14530-22 fire department standard for water tenders.

A vehicle for all alert levels: the Unimog U 5023

The all-terrain Unimog U 5023 comes with selectable all-wheel drive and differential locks ex works. In conjunction with the high ground clearance, it can overcome embankment angles of over 35 degrees when driving forwards and backwards. Even with the extinguishing tank body, all the off-road driving characteristics familiar from the Unimog are largely retained: The body mounting allows a high degree of torsional freedom for the chassis when driving off-road. This means that the vehicle, with its 3,000 liters of extinguishing water, 120 liters of foam compound and extensive fire service-specific equipment on board, is usually quickly where it is needed, even off-road.

To further improve traction in sandy or muddy terrain, the tire pressure control system TireControl Plus can be used to adjust the contact area of the tires at the touch of a button. Driving over flat, burning vegetation is also possible thanks to the four front spray nozzles under the front bumper. This allows the vehicle to advance directly to the source of the fire or evenly spray freshly burnt areas and fields to prevent them from flaring up again. The front spray bar can also be activated for self-protection when driving out of potential danger zones. All operationally relevant lines are equipped with heat protection ex works.

Ready for the firefight: Schlingmann upgrades to TLF 3000 VARUS

The Schlingmann company has converted the Unimog into a TLF 3000 VARUS fire-fighting vehicle. The permissible total weight of 14.5 tons and the lightweight construction of the superstructure rib with welded, rust-free stainless steel profiles make it possible to integrate the water tank superstructure with a capacity of 3,000 liters.

The swivel roof hatch on the cab roof allows a rapid intervention C jet pipe to be operated, which enables firefighting while the vehicle is in motion. The firefighters can also walk alongside the vehicle and access the Unimog's water tank when extinguishing fires. The S 3000 centrifugal fire pump from Schlingmann (FPN 10-3000 in accordance with DIN EN 1028) is used for this “pump and roll” procedure. There is also a water cannon on the superstructure roof, which can discharge up to 2,000 liters per minute.

The four side equipment compartments provide space for extensive firefighting equipment such as hoses, nozzles, breathing apparatus, tools and a power generator. The pump system is housed in the rear equipment compartment. In addition, a roof box is mounted on the superstructure roof, in which firefighting equipment is transported, among other things. LED light strips in the superstructure ensure effective illumination. The ambient lighting and the eight LED headlights on the light mast also illuminate the vehicle's surroundings in the area of operation.

Lünen fire department relies on long tradition of operational strength by the Unimog

The Lünen fire department faces a wide range of possible operational situations every day. Located between the Ruhr area and Münsterland, Lünen is home to wooded areas, former mining areas, rivers and streams.

What sounds idyllic harbors risks. Statistics dating back to the 14th century prove that Lünen has a long tradition of flooding. Ten flood events are recorded for the 20th century alone. During numerous floods over the centuries, the water repeatedly penetrated deep into the town - for good reason, the town church was built on the highest point. Danger is not only posed by the river Lippe, but also by the Seseke on the south side of Lünen. Both rivers are listed as “risk waters” in the NRW flood risk management plan. 

Added to this is the increased risk of forest fires due to increasingly dry summers. The Cappenberg Forest, one of the largest contiguous forest areas in the Münsterland region, just a few kilometers north of the city of Lünen, is also at risk in this regard. The forest is ecologically particularly valuable in terms of its old deciduous tree population and numerous protected animal species. It also contributes to the water balance and climate regulation of the urban environment by feeding cold, fresh air into the built-up areas.

Due to the wide range of deployment scenarios, the proven Unimog U 1550L from 1987 remains in service at Lünen fire department after extensive modernization. It complements the new Unimog U 5023 in operational tactics.