Fire service to get 31 new fire appliances as part of £16m investment
A total of 47 new specialist vehicles and appliances are to be rolled out to fire stations across Northern Ireland in a £16million investment.
Health Minister Robbie Butler has welcomed the major investment which includes £11million for 31 new fire appliances, which will be deployed to fire stations across Northern Ireland.
The investment represents a significant operational fleet upgrade to enhance emergency response and support firefighters in protecting local communities.
During his first visit to NIFRS Service Support Centre in Belfast, Minister Butler viewed the vehicles, which are equipped with upgraded technology designed to improve firefighter safety, enhance operational effectiveness, support crew welfare and strengthen clean cab and contaminant management arrangements.
“This major investment ensures fire crews have access to reliable, modern vehicles, equipping them to respond quickly and effectively when communities need them most," he said.
"These modern appliances will help fire crews meet the demands of the increasingly complex challenges they face every day and have been designed with safety, resilience and efficiency at their core, providing crews with the tools they need to protect people, property and the environment.
“Importantly, the vehicles also incorporate measures to support firefighter health and wellbeing, including enhanced arrangements for managing operational contaminants and reducing exposure to harmful substances."
NIFRS Chief Fire & Rescue Officer, Aidan Jennings said: “The new Fire Appliances and specialist vehicles strengthen our emergency response, reduce maintenance pressures and ensure our firefighters are equipped with leading-edge resources.
"This investment is also about our people and our ability to ensure that they have the right resources to continue to deliver a professional and effective emergency response to communities across Northern Ireland.”
The investment includes funding for three new Command Support Units, which will be introduced into frontline service next year.
These specialist units play a vital role in coordinating responses to major incidents and help maintain a safe, efficient and dependable emergency response capability.