By Mark Kellam
For the Glendale News-Press

The Bob Hope Airport put into service on Monday a firefighting vehicle that’s the first of its kind in the country because it delivers more concentrated foam to knock down fuel-related aircraft fires, officials said.

The vehicle is equipped with a compressed-air foam system that uses less water than systems now deployed at other airports in the United States, officials said.

The higher concentration of foam allows the substance to adhere better to burning surfaces, which are typically more volatile when they involve aircraft carrying heavy fuel loads.

The vehicle cost $619,519, but a federal grant covered about 80% of the bill, said airport spokesman Victor Gill.

Click here to read more details on the new foam firefighting vehicle.

Photo Credit: Roger Wilson, Staff Photographer for the Glendale News-Press