New engines for Suffolk Fire & Rescue
Four have joined the fleet
Last updated 30th Aug 2021
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service adds four new enhanced appliances to its fleet, fitted with solar panels
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has unveiled state-of-the-art rescue vehicles and equipment to provide firefighters with the latest technology for rescues.
Four new “enhanced rescue tenders” will be based at Bury St Edmunds, Lowestoft, Newmarket and Princes Street (Ipswich), giving cover across the county and strengthening the emergency response across Suffolk’s communities.
The new equipment and vehicles are also the latest innovations in green technology, supporting Suffolk County Council’s climate emergency declaration and ambitions to be net zero by 2030. The fire appliances are the first in Suffolk to be fitted with solar panels, have more fuel-efficient engines and also carry battery powered hydraulic rescue equipment.
Dan Fearn, Temporary Chief Fire Officer, said:
“This is a significant investment in the Service’s capability to deal with many types of rescues, including those on Suffolk’s roads. To make sure we get the best equipment possible, we’ve carried out extensive operational testing and spent time getting feedback from staff.
“The equipment carried on-board is dedicated specialist equipment for carrying out rescues, ranging from car crashes to building collapses and making the scene of an incident safe.
“My team is made up of exceptional operational and non-operational staff. I want to give them the best possible equipment so that they can carry out their work to the best of their ability.”
Councillor Andrew Reid, Suffolk County Council Cabinet Member for Public Health, Public Protection, & Communities, said:
“The vehicles are strategically placed across the county to deliver the fastest response to the community of Suffolk. I’m delighted that we’ve been able to add this next-generation equipment to our growing fleet. We have also recently introduced three new command support vehicles and we have further investment in the pipeline.
“Suffolk County Council aims to be a net zero authority by 2030, and l applaud the Service for setting an excellent example by embedding this ambition in its procurement.”