Cleveland Fire Brigade will place four new, state-of-the-art fire engines into operational service by the end of May 2026, further strengthening emergency response across the area.
The new fire engines are fitted with the latest technology to support firefighters at incidents and help keep both crews and the public safe. Built to meet the demands of modern risks, they provide improved capability, comfort and protection for staff attending emergencies.
This investment forms part of the Brigade’s ongoing commitment to providing a modern, reliable fleet. Fire engines are replaced on a planned cycle, with wholetime fire engines typically updated after around 15 years to ensure they remain fit for purpose.
The new vehicles were developed with direct input from firefighters and their representative bodies from the outset. A dedicated project team, including operational staff and a Fire Brigades Union representative, helped shape the design to ensure it meets the real needs of crews on the ground.
Assistant Director of Assets, Darren Richards said:
“These new fire engines have been designed with firefighter safety, comfort and efficiency at the heart of every decision. They feature a fully clean cab to help remove contaminants, wipe-clean seating, and improved storage including dedicated breathing apparatus and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) stowage.
Crews will also benefit from practical additions such as a rear cab Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) relay screen, a public address system for communicating at incidents, and even a fitted fridge to help keep water cool during warmer months.
Every element of the design has been carefully considered, and it’s clear that the feedback from our staff has directly shaped these vehicles.”
The final vehicle was delivered on 6 May 2026, marking the completion of the project, all four new fire engines will be in service from 1 June.
As part of the Brigade’s ongoing fire engine replacement programme, the vehicles being replaced will move into the On-Call fleet, while existing On-Call appliances will become part of the Service’s reserve and training fleet.
This process, known as the appliance roll down, which involves significant work behind the scenes from teams including the Technical Hub and Operational Support, who play a vital role in preparing and maintaining appliances for frontline service. The Service would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and support throughout the project.
Together, these new fire engines will help ensure continues to provide a high-quality, effective emergency response service to local communities, supporting our commitment to Protecting People, Places and Futures.
