Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has unveiled a new £3.5million fleet to replace its older vehicles and equipment.

Six new fire engines, a collection of electric pool cars, and new rescue vehicles were part of the unveiling on Tuesday at Ipswich East fire station in Ransomes Europark.

The new fleet will be on the road by the summer for the replacement programme, designed jointly by Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and fire engine manufacturers Emergency One of Scotland.

The equipment also included a new turntable ladder with a 32m extending ladder, which will be based at Bury St Edmunds, and enhanced rescue tenders, which are specialist rescue vehicles.

There is also a new driver training vehicle for training, which can also double up as a water carrier in busy summer firefighting season, which will be based in Ipswich but will be used all over the county.

Ipswich Star: The fleet included 15 VW ID4 cars for use by officers when attending incidents.The fleet included 15 VW ID4 cars for use by officers when attending incidents. (Image: Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service)

Suffolk chief fire officer Jon Lacey said: “These new vehicles are equipped with the latest technology and give our staff the best tools to do the job of keeping the residents of Suffolk safe.

“Our fire engines are replaced after 15 years, in line with national best practice, and when we do replace them it is done so with equipment of the highest quality that meets the firefighting needs of the county and provides the best value for money the taxpayer.

Ipswich Star: Suffolk chief fire officer Jon LaceySuffolk chief fire officer Jon Lacey (Image: Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service)

“We are also supporting the Suffolk Climate Emergency Plan by transitioning to electric vehicles for our officer and pool cars, a move which will support our aim for carbon neutrality by 2030.”

Ipswich Star: The vehicles were part of a planned replacement programme.The vehicles were part of a planned replacement programme. (Image: Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service)

Craig Rivett, Suffolk County Council cabinet member for public health and public protection, added: “This is a significant investment in firefighting on behalf of the people of Suffolk.

“These vehicles and equipment will ensure our firefighters can continue to perform their duties in protecting and working with the community to the very high standard we are accustomed to.

“I look forward to seeing these vehicles and this equipment being used for many years to come.”