The Labor Government is modernising Fire Rescue Victoria’s (FRV) fleet by introducing the state’s first electric fire truck.
On its way from Austria, FRV’s Electric Vehicle for Incident and Emergency, (named EVIE for short), has been built to FRV specifications and includes the latest innovative firefighting equipment and technology in a zero emissions vehicle.
Minister for emergency services, Jaclyn Symes says, this is an exciting step toward a low-emissions future and a new way to keep Victorians safe.
“Every day our emergency services are on the frontline, protecting Victorians from fires, floods and other incidents – we’re making sure they have the equipment they need to do their job,” she says.
EVIE’s new powerful capabilities and innovative new features include independent drive and pump systems for firefighting on the move, meaning firefighter don’t have the part the truck, get out and set the pumper up and the inside of the cabin provides more storage and comfort.
The fire truck also features artwork from Samantha Richards, a descendent from the Wurundjeri and Dja Dja Wurrung peoples through the Terrick family, entitled ‘Bunjil and Waa’.
To fully test EVIE’s fire truck capabilities, it will begin service by shadowing other fire appliances responding to incidents.
FRV commissioner, Gavin Freeman says this contributes to the modernisation of their vehicle fleet.
“This vehicle has been built with expert advice from our people to provide maximum benefit for the Victorian community and the firefighters that will be operating it at incidents,” he says.
“We’ll be evaluating all aspects of the truck’s performance to help inform future decisions about the integration of electric fire appliances into our service.”
Once delivered, firefighters will be thoroughly trained and familiarised with EVIE’s new technology before the fire truck is gradually introduced to service in early 2025.
As part of the Victorian Budget 2024/25, in addition to EVIE the Labor Government is investing $13.7 million for five new aerial pumper platform appliances fitted with the latest fleet technology for FRV.
Subscribe to the weekly Owner//Driver newsletter here.