Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service is set to replace 12 of its frontline fire engines as part of a £3.5m investment that means more than 75 per cent of its fleet is now under five years old.
The new fire engines are compliant with the latest Euro Six regulation – the European standard for emissions and safety standards on commercial vehicles. They also have 5G connectivity on-board for the recently upgraded mobile data terminals (MDTs) used by fire crews to access information. This will enable greater functionality and use of the IT equipment fitted on each vehicle and will allow more accurate and real-time data and information to be provided.
GMFRS’s Chief Fire Officer, Dave Russel said, “This is a major investment in our fleet and we are delighted to see the new fire engines being rolled out across Greater Manchester. The new models are greener, more efficient and also come with new safety measures and improved equipment on board, including innovative and award-winning digital technology.
The MDT replacement project, completed in April 2022 won ‘Best Use of New Technology’ at the Real Innovation Technology Awards in May. GMFRS was one of the first fire and rescue services in England to fit second demountable MDTs to the rear of fire engines appliances, which provides greater access and support to firefighters at incidents.
CFO Russel added, “The new engines will provide our firefighters with top of the range equipment and capabilities to enable us to continue to respond to the varying challenges of protecting the people and places of Greater Manchester and ensure that we are fit for the future.”
Photo credit: GM Fire and Rescue Service.
