West Sussex to invest £4.8m in 12 new fire engines

West Sussex County Council has approved a £4.8m investment to purchase 12 new fire engines for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service as the authority approaches the end of its current Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP).

The new appliances will feature upgraded firefighting technology, including a clean-cab design intended to reduce firefighters’ exposure to harmful contaminants. The vehicles will also produce lower emissions, supporting the council’s target of becoming net carbon neutral by 2030.

The investment forms part of a wider programme of improvements delivered during the current CRMP, which has seen £19.3m invested in the service over the past four years. This includes the development of Platinum House in Horsham, a state-of-the-art training centre and fire station.

Over the course of the plan, the service has also increased crewing at day-crewed fire stations from five to seven days a week and introduced new emergency response standards.

A call challenge policy introduced in December 2022 has also led to a significant reduction in false alarms at non-domestic premises. The council said this has helped free up firefighters to respond to incidents, undertake training and carry out prevention and community engagement activities.

Since April 2022, the service has delivered more than 22,000 Safe and Well Visits to support vulnerable residents and help them live safely and independently. More than 4,000 risk-based inspection audits have also been carried out at businesses across the county.

Councillor Duncan Crow, Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue, said the investment reflected the council’s commitment to public safety.

“This significant investment highlights our commitment to protecting our communities and keeping people safe,” he said.

“The new fire engines will enable the service to continue delivering an effective emergency response while also contributing to our environmental targets.”

Chief Fire Officer Gary Ball said the funding would help ensure crews continue to have access to modern and safe equipment.

“This investment in new fire engines demonstrates our continued commitment to providing our crews with modern and safe appliances,” he said.

“Combined with the opening of Platinum House, improved crewing models and emergency response standards, and strengthening the leadership and culture of the service, we are in a strong position to continue serving West Sussex.”

Chief Fire Officer Gary Ball.

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