The ACT Government’s announcement that it would be acquiring Australia’s first ever electric fire truck in 2022 has been welcomed by the ACT United Firefighters Union (ACT UFU).

As well as reducing diesel fuel consumption, the new Plug-in Hybrid Electric Fire Truck features a walk-in, walk-out entry to support firefighters’ backs and knees as they enter and exit the vehicle.

ACT UFU Secretary Greg McConville said that the new electric firefighting appliance was a significant win for environmental sustainability and would enhance firefighter’s operational capability and safety.

“With the increasing challenges of climate change and extreme weather events faced by firefighters as recently as the Black Summer fires of 2019/20, this announcement comes as welcome news,” Mr McConville said.

“The acquisition of this electric appliance – the first of its kind in Australia –unequivocally demonstrates the ACT Government’s strong leadership and genuine commitment to taking real action to reduce emissions.

“It is vital that all Australian government jurisdictions take public and credible steps to address climate change and our union fully supports this act.”

Mr McConville said the new firefighting appliance also included many features that would enhance firefighter operational capability and safety.

“This new electric firefighting appliance represents not just a major advancement in environmental sustainability but in technical innovation in firefighting. 

“It incorporates highly advanced communications and monitoring systems, including potential integration with drone technology, which will allow firefighters to gather important intelligence on the incident prior to arriving on scene.

“Additionally, it includes design features that could allow the appliance to act in the role of a forward command vehicle, better co-ordinating resources to deliver a more effective emergency response.

“We’re also pleased about specific features designed to improve firefighter safety and to reduce fatigue, such as enhanced ingress and egress, improved stowage and pivoting seats which would allow up to four firefighters to speak face to face and plan their approach before exiting the vehicle at an incident.

“We hope the introduction of an electric appliance to ACT Fire and Rescue sets a new standard of sustainability, capability and safety which other fire services across Australia will seek to emulate.”

Mr McConville said that firefighters were now looking forward to receiving the appliance in 2022 and testing its capabilities in the field at real life incidents and events.

The electric fire truck announcement follows the ACT Emergency Services Agency signing an agreement with Rosenbauer to deliver a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Fire Truck next year.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Mick Gentleman said the ACT was leading the nation in showing how emergency services organisations can transition to zero-emissions fleets.

“The ACT Government has committed to reaching a target of net zero-emissions by 2045. Investments in new technology like this Plug-In Hybrid Electric Fire Truck are crucial in achieving our target,” Mr Gentleman said.

“Transitioning just one of our existing trucks to an electric fire truck is forecast to reduce diesel fuel consumption by about 185,000 litres over a 10-year period.”

Mr Gentleman said the new truck will also include a range of features to ensure the safety and comfort of ACT Fire & Rescue firefighters.

“Firefighter safety and comfort is at the forefront of the design of this new truck, and it will feature a better use of its internal space and greater crew protection in comparison to the existing vehicles in our fleet.”

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