The Allan Labor Government is modernising Fire Rescue Victoria's (FRV) fleet by introducing the state's first electric fire truck - built to make sure our firefighters can respond quickly and keep Victorians safe.
Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes today announced that FRV's Electric Vehicle for Incidentand Emergency - named EVIE for short - is on its way from Austria.
EVIE has been built to FRV specifications and combines the latest innovative firefighting equipment and technology in a zero emissions vehicle. EVIE is a first for FRV and only the second fully electric fire truck in Australia.
EVIE has powerful firefighting capabilities and innovative new features. These include independent drive and pump systems for firefighting on the move, meaning firefighters don't have to park the truck, get out and set the pumper up. There are also improvements to the inside cabin to provide more storage and be more comfortable.
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'.
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.
EVIE will begin service by shadowing other fire appliances responding to incidents, to fully test the fire truck's capabilities.
In addition to EVIE, as part of the Victorian Budget 2024/25 the Labor Government is investing $13.7 million for five new aerial pumper platform appliances fitted with the latest fleet technology for FRV.
These join the 22 new trucks and support vehicles in the project stage at FRV including Heavy Pumpers, Heavy Rescue Vehicles, Breathing Apparatus support vehicles, Rehab Units and an Ultra Large Pumper.
As stated by Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes
"Victoria's first electric fire truck is an exciting step towards a low-emissions future and a new way to continue keeping 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."
As stated by Fire Rescue Victoria Commissioner Gavin Freeman AFSM
"We're extremely proud to introduce Victoria's first electric fire truck to Fire Rescue Victoria as part of the modernisation of our vehicle fleet. 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.
"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 and we thank all members of the project team for their highly valued contribution to date."
