11.2 C
Manchester
Saturday, April 26, 2025
CommunityNew £3.5 million fire engine fleet for Greater Manchester

New £3.5 million fire engine fleet for Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester is to benefit from a new £3.5 million investment fleet of more environmentally friendly, technologically advanced, and highly efficient fire engines.

In a move to ensure the readiness of the service for the future, 12 frontline fire engines of the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) are being replaced with cutting-edge appliances.

This means that more that more than 75 percent of the region’s 50 fire engines are now less than five years old.

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 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.”

Enhanced functionality

The newly introduced appliances are equipped with 5G connectivity, facilitating enhanced functionality and utilisation of the IT equipment installed in each vehicle. This will enable the provision of more accurate and real-time data and information, contributing to more effective emergency responses.

The successful completion of the MDT replacement project in April 2022 for all frontline fire engines earned the service the ‘Best Use of New Technology’ award at the Real Innovation Technology Awards in May.

The project plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of firefighters and the people of Greater Manchester by providing detailed information to aid in performing their duties safely and efficiently. The MDTs contain vital data such as the location of hydrants, directions, chemical information, specialised mapping software, and vehicle information, which prove invaluable during operations, particularly in the aftermath of road traffic accidents.

GMFRS was also one of the pioneering fire and rescue services in England to incorporate second demountable MDTs at the rear of fire engine appliances, enhancing access and support for firefighters during incidents.

The new engines comply with the latest Euro Six regulation, which sets the European standard for emissions and safety on commercial vehicles.

Greater Manchester rollout

The rollout of the new engines will take place at various Community Fire Stations across Greater Manchester, including Agecroft, Altrincham, Ashton, Bolton North, Bury, Cheadle, Hollins, Leigh, Marple, Offerton, Stalybridge, and Withington.

Deputy Mayor for policing, crime, criminal justice, and fire, Kate Green, hailed the significant investment in the fire and rescue service, underlining its role in providing a modern, adaptable, and resilient service for the people of Greater Manchester. She stressed the commitment to equipping dedicated staff with the best possible tools to carry out their duties safely and effectively.

Furthermore, two additional frontline fire engines are expected to arrive at Atherton and Mossley Community Fire Stations next year.

The fire engines that are replaced with new vehicles will be repurposed within the broader fleet, serving as reserves and aiding in creating realistic training scenarios for firefighters at the Bury Training and Safety Centre.

Helen Greaney
Helen Greaney
I'm a journalist with more than 18 years' experience on local, regional and national newspapers, as well as PR and digital marketing. Crime and the courts is my specialist area but I'm also keen to hear your stories concerning Manchester and the greater North West region.
Latest

Vehicle crime in Greater Manchester down 27 per cent, reports show

Vehicle-related crime across Greater Manchester has seen a reduction of 27 per cent, according to new figures. During September 2023 and March 2024, Greater Manchester...

Advance train tickets now available on TransPennine Express machines

Advance train tickets are now available for customers to buy using TransPennine Express (TPE) ticket machines. Advance train tickets are single, one-way tickets purchased in advance...

Planning pressures pushing firms to the brink, property expert warns

Planning pressures set UK developers up for failure, pushing more firms to the brink, Landwood warns. UK developers are abandoning unfinished projects as cashflow pressures...

DVLA bans more than 500 new number plates

A Freedom of Information request made by private plate supplier Regtransfers reveals the banned number plates from the forthcoming  ‘75’ release. These latest plates will...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

Planning pressures pushing firms to the brink, property expert warns

Planning pressures set UK developers up for failure, pushing more firms to the brink, Landwood warns. UK developers are abandoning unfinished projects as cashflow pressures...

New public square unveiled in Gorton town centre

A new public square is now formally open, providing a new heart and focal point for the Gorton neighbourhood, while supporting the ongoing success...

Street Eat festival returns to Rochdale in June

Street Eat - the food and drink festival that attracts thousands of visitors every year - is returning to Rochdale Town Hall Square for...

Police appeal following serious assault in Bramhall

Detectives are seeking the public’s help with enquires after a serious assault took place in a bar in Stockport. Sometime around 12.40am on April 19,...

More News

Multi-million pound cash injection for vacant brownfield site in Rochdale

Long-awaited redevelopment of a vacant brownfield site in Rochdale has moved a step closer, following a £15 million grant from the government’s community regeneration...

Preservation plans revealed for Ramsbottom’s Peel Tower thanks to grant

A £57,000 National Lottery Heritage Fund grant will enable a condition survey to be carried out at Ramsbottom's Peel Tower, with a view to...

Greater Manchester residents rallied for a ‘repair revolution’

Community groups and retailers across Greater Manchester have signed up to take part in this year’s Repair Week 2025 to rally residents around a...