When every second counts: Special FF trucks in action
Litvínov, Hustopeče, Ostrava-Vitkovice, Czech Republic – Seconds that decide lives.
Tons of scrap metal, thousands of liters of benzene, an unexploded bomb from World War II. And in all of this – firefighters. Professionals who are not afraid of extreme conditions. Their weapons are not only experience and courage, but also cutting-edge technology that allows them to intervene quickly, safely and effectively.
Benzene hell in Hustopeče
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When a train with tankers full of benzene derailed in Hustopeče and subsequently caught fire, it was a matter of minutes. Heavy firefighting special vehicles TITAN on Tatra 8×8 chassis, equipped with an armored cabin and Allison 4500 SP Fully Automatic Transmission, immediately set off to the scene. Allison transmission ensures smooth transfer of power even in difficult terrain and at full load.
The intervention was also supported by a Slovak unit with a unique Tatra TAURUS tanker on 10×10 chassis, nicknamed “The Big lake”. 
This giant is equipped with an Allison 4800 PR Fully Automatic Transmission, which can handle extreme loads and ensures reliable operation even when transporting 21,000 liters of extinguishing substance.
Litvínov: Silence before the explosion
In Litvínov, a different type of threat was encountered – a 500-pound aerial bomb from World War II with an active timer was found. The intervention required maximum caution and the use of equipment designed for high-risk environments. The rugged Tatra TITAN 8x8 tankers and the more compact TRITON on the Tatra 4×4 chassis were again deployed. Both vehicles are equipped with ballistically protected cabins and Allison Fully Automatic Transmissions – specifically Allison 4500 SP for the TITAN model and Allison 3200 SP for the smaller TRITON. 
These transmissions contribute to the safety and stability of the intervention, especially when maneuvering in close proximity to an explosive device.
Technology that protects lives
Modern firefighting technology today is not just about water and foam. It is about durability, precision and the ability to intervene where ordinary vehicles would fail. Fully Automatic Transmissions, armor plating, high offroad capabilities – all of this forms a whole that allows firefighters to handle even the most dangerous situations.
Whether it's ecological disasters, industrial fires or the disposal of unexploded ammunition, Czech and Slovak Firefighting units have world-class vehicles at their disposal - and which give them the chance to always be one step ahead.
