In a significant boost to local firefighting capabilities, McLaren Vale is set to receive one of the new state-of-the-art urban firefighting trucks as part of a broader rollout across the state.

This fleet of over ten new fire trucks, delivered from this month, is designed to enhance the CFS response to urban incidents, ensuring communities like McLaren Vale are better protected.

The 13 newly configured trucks are purpose-built with critical urban firefighting tools and equipment as standard, aligning better with the types of incidents our volunteers encounter.

CFS Chief Officer Brett Loughlin AFSM highlights the importance of evolving firefighting equipment to meet the needs of growing rural communities.

"As an all-hazards fire and rescue agency, it's crucial that we continually enhance and align the equipment we provide our volunteers, ensuring they have the appropriate tools to respond to unfolding incidents," Mr Loughlin says.

"These new urban trucks represent a new generation of vehicles that will be groundbreaking for the brigades receiving them, and for the communities these brigades serve."

Data reveals that out of the 9,000 incidents CFS personnel responded to over the past 12 months, only 2,000 were rural. The devastating shopping centre fire at Stirling, which caused approximately $25 million in damage, is a prime example of where urban-specific equipment can greatly benefit firefighters.

The newly outfitted 34P trucks, which boast four-wheel drive capability and carry around 3,000 litres of water, are equipped with advanced features tailored for urban incidents. Tim McNeilly, Manager of Urban and Technical Operations, emphasises the need for specialised equipment in certain areas of the state.

"We recognise the need in certain areas for firefighting equipment focused on the diverse urban incidents our volunteers respond to," Mr McNeilly says.

"These trucks will be the first in CFS to be factory fitted with a portable ground monitor, allowing firefighters to operate a hose remotely, reducing exposure and risk of injury."

Standard equipment on these trucks will include battery-operated hand tools such as angle grinders and quick-cut saws for forcible entry, a battery-operated positive pressure fan for clearing smoke from homes, and mounted thermal imaging cameras to detect hotspots.

Enhanced vehicle features include improved emergency warning lights and sirens, an updated cabin console layout, and improved ladder stowage, making these vehicles more versatile for volunteers in various environments.

In addition to McLaren Vale, the trucks will be delivered to 12 other brigades in the coming months, including Coffin Bay, Nairne, Cadell, Port Broughton, Keith, Port Elliot, Angaston, and Eden Hills.

Minister for Emergency Services, Dan Cregan, stresses the importance of this investment in ensuring volunteers are well-equipped.

“CFS personnel respond to much more than bushfires, and this investment provides innovative ways to help them carry out their duties, including in built-up areas,” Minister Cregan says.

"Having the latest equipment on board this fleet as standard ensures volunteers are well prepared to tackle a vast array of emergencies across the state."

The arrival of these new trucks in McLaren Vale and other brigades marks a significant advancement in the capability of local fire services to protect their communities.