The state-of-the-art fire engines are packed with the latest firefighting and rescue equipment, bringing the total cost to around a quarter of a million pounds each

They are fitted with a number of new features, including compressed air foam systems for a greater knock-down effect on fires, 100-metre hose reels, new and more comprehensive first aid and oxygen therapy kits and new stabilisation kits for use at road traffic collisions.

Denis O’Driscoll, Area Manager Response, said: “We have put years of work into choosing and refining the specification so that our firefighters have the best possible equipment to deal with fires, road traffic collisions and other emergency incidents.

“The decision was taken several years ago to move towards a standardised fleet of top-quality appliances carrying top-quality equipment.

“When matched with the top-quality staff who crew them, it all adds up to a first-rate service delivered to our local communities.

“The investment in quality isn’t simply an expensive luxury either. We are already seeing the benefits through savings of reduced downtime as a result of routine maintenance and defects along with the increased durability and interchangeability. Over the whole life that we plan to keep the vehicles as part of our front line fleet, which is about 12 years, these savings really add up and result in a very cost-effective investment.”