Pierce Manufacturing is recalling certain 2004-2018 Arrow XT, Dash, Enforcer, Impel, Quantum and Velocity firefighting aerial vehicles.

A potential 886 vehicles may be affected by this recall. The aerial devices may unexpectedly rotate to the right when the ladder is being extended. Through internal testing, Pierce traced the cause of this malfunction to its CommandZone II controllers.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects received five consumer complaints and two other reports that alleged a defect in the aerial ladder control valves, which resulted in unattended movement of the aerial ladder platform.

The complaints and reports included allegations of uncontrolled movement resulting in the aerial ladder striking a pole, lowering onto a building that was on fire, and multiple instances of the ladder swinging full speed 20 to 30 feet while extending.

NHTSA also acknowledged an independent investigation after an aerial failure during a two-alarm fire in Boston last year.

In April 2018, the telescoping ladder on a 2005 Pierce fire truck owned by the Boston Fire Department buckled and collapsed onto a three-story building as firefighters were working to extinguish a fire in the building, as shown here:

Video courtesy of Sean Fesko

The firefighter on the ladder was able to safely climb out of the ladder’s bucket onto the roof of the building, reported WCVB. 

The recall began on February 28. Pierce plans to notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the aerial control module free of charge. Owners may contact Pierce customer service at 1-888-974-3723. Pierce’s number for this recall is 74B295.

Editor's Note: This story was updated March 22 with a more accurate photo and a video of the 2018 incident.