Service invests in sustainable fire engines

24/01/2025

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service is looking to a sustainable, greener future with the addition of its new fire engines.  

Powered by hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel rather than fossil fuel, the new trucks reduce carbon emissions by more than 90 per cent compared to previous fire engines. Stowed on these fire engines is new cutting equipment, for use at incidents like road traffic collisions, which are battery operated. This replaces the need for a petrol operated generator, as well as being quieter when being used, causing less distress for any casualty.  

The new fire engines are based at stations in Huntingdon, along with Dogsthorpe and Stanground in Peterborough. 

Assistant Director Wayne Swales said: “These new fire engines are a big step on our journey to being a more sustainable service. By utilising alternative fuel, we have significantly reduced our carbon footprint, but we have also provided our crews with a high spec, cutting edge fire engine. 

“Through our prudent financial planning we’ve been able to continue investment in modernising our fleet of fire engines to provide an excellent service to the people of Cambridgeshire, while also committing to a sustainable future.” 

Our new fire engine at Huntingdon fire station is also being used to trial a concept to reduce the risk of contamination from incidents, such as fires, and the potential risk of cancer. 

Wayne explains: “Our concept fire engine at Huntingdon is a key part of the Service’s commitment to reducing the risk of spreading contaminants from operational incidents, which is an emerging risk for our firefighters that we are learning more about. The ‘clean cab concept’, which sees the firefighter’s kit, including breathing apparatus, removed from the cab, creates a cleaner space for crews following an incident. The kit is stowed away in one of the lockers on the fire engine, rather than being worn while travelling back to the station. This is the first step in the trial to build on making operational areas cleaner, reducing the risks from contaminants.” 

The concept fire engine stowage was designed by the crews at Huntingdon working with manufacturer Emergency One.