Finance Committee releases funds for fleet renewal
With its high level of professionalism, the Vienna professional fire department is one of the best emergency services in the world. In its commitment to the safety of the Viennese population, the professional fire brigade also relies on the constant development of its equipment. This also applies to the fleet, which is regularly checked to ensure compliance with modern safety and environmental standards. If necessary, in addition to purchasing new vehicles, old ones are also retired
City Councilor for Finance and Fire Services Peter Hanke
Vienna (OTS) – “With its high level of professionalism, the Vienna professional fire department is one of the best emergency services in the world. In its commitment to the safety of the Viennese population, the professional fire brigade also relies on the constant development of its equipment. This also applies to the fleet, which is regularly checked to ensure compliance with modern safety and environmental standards. If necessary, in addition to purchasing new vehicles, old ones are also retired
“, said City Councilor for Finance and Fire Services Peter Hanke.
The Finance Committee has now decided on a total of around 4.4 million euros for the years 2024 and 2025 to renew the Vienna professional fire department’s vehicle fleet. Two swap loader vehicles and five heavy equipment vehicles will be purchased.
“Oldies” are making way for environmentally friendly successors
The new swap-loader vehicles replace two old models, which, at 18 and 20 years old, no longer fully meet today’s environmental standards (emission values). Therefore, these are being replaced by swap-loader vehicles that are as compact as possible with good maneuverability and powerful Euro 6 diesel engines with torque converter automatic transmissions. In order to be prepared for fire brigade and disaster operations, the vehicles should be capable of off-road use and have a payload of at least 12,300 kg. The purchase will take place in an open process; the total costs for the two swap-loader vehicles are estimated at around 887,000 euros.
Faster help through realignment of the vehicle concept
Five heavy equipment vehicles are also to be purchased for the fleet. These will be used to reorganize the vehicle concept of the technical assistance service. The heavy tools for use with heavy vehicles and rail vehicles, construction accidents, etc., which were previously stored on interchangeable containers (three “swap-over heavy tool bodies” and two “swap-over construction for construction accidents”), will in future be stored on a total of five heavy equipment vehicles and one “swap-over construction for technical assistance”.
The heavy rescue vehicles can be distributed more effectively within the Vienna city area. One of the five heavy rescue vehicles will be stationed in every second fire protection section, instead of the previous swap bodies at two locations in Vienna. This enables special tools for technical rescue to arrive more quickly in the event of an alarm.
To ensure that there are enough crew on site to operate the heavy tools in the event of an emergency, the vehicles are also designed with a crew cab. In addition to robust 18 t chassis with permanent all-wheel drive, the heavy rescue vehicles will have vehicle engines that meet the latest emissions standards. The vehicles are expected to enter service in the first half of 2026.
Questions & Contact:
Robert “Louis” Kraft
Media spokesperson City Councilor Peter Hanke
Telephone: 01/4000 81211
Email: roberta.kraft@wien.gv.at