SIX new fire engines will soon be ready to respond in Essex helping to keep people safer. 

Part of a £3.7 million investment by Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, the 12 new Scania appliances will give firefighters access to the latest technology and include: 

• Storage for breathing apparatus sets in lockers in the front rather inside the cab 
• Water pumping capacity of 4,000 litres per minute 
• State of the art safety systems to protect to pedestrians and drivers – the first appliances in the country to have these from Scania 
• Separate air conditioning in the rear cab 
• A 360-degree birds eye view camera system 
• Wipe clean seats and surfaces 

The appliances have been manufactured by Emergency One and will be in use across Essex. The first six will be heading out to fire stations in the coming weeks and will be initially responding from Basildon, Harlow, Orsett, Maldon, Southend and Stansted fire stations. They will be used across Essex to respond to fires, other emergencies and taking part in prevention and engagement activities to help keep people safe. 

The fire engines which are already at those stations will be disposed of or re-allocated to different fire stations, meaning more fire stations will have more up-to-date and more environmentally friendly vehicles. 

Chief Fire Officer/ Chief Executive Rick Hylton said: “This investment marks a significant step in making sure our crews have the best possible equipment to protect our communities and keep people safe. 

“We’ve listened carefully to feedback from our firefighters, and as a result, we’ve made improvements to the fire engines. By introducing innovative features such as improved breathing apparatus stowage and cutting-edge safety systems, we are prioritising both firefighter safety and operational efficiency.  

“We are proud to lead the way, setting the standard for fire appliances in our region.” 

Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Roger Hirst said: “Improving efficiency and effectiveness is a priority in the PFCC Fire and Rescue Plan 2024-2028 and this £3.7m investment in the very latest fire engines will maximise the impact our resources have on community safety.  

“This new equipment will allow us to be effective when people need us, protect the community and prevent harm.”