Oberbergischer Kreis further equips itself against forest and vegetation fires The district administration provides monthly information on the topic of emergency preparedness. This time, it's about vehicles for forest and vegetation fires.

Oberbergischer Kreis. The Oberbergischer Kreis has strengthened its fire departments with two new specialized vehicles for combating forest and vegetation fires. A forest fire tank truck (TLF 4000 W) and a Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) were officially presented and will support operations throughout the district in the future.

The two vehicles are stationed at the Marienheide fire department but are available to all 13 fire departments in the Oberbergischer Kreis when needed. The aim of the acquisition is to better support forces in fires in difficult terrain and ensure water supply even off paved paths.

The TLF 4000 W is specifically designed for use in vegetation fires. It features all-wheel drive, 235 kW or 320 hp, a 4,600-liter firefighting water tank, and a 150-liter foam agent tank. The equipment is complemented by a roof monitor and a front monitor, a self-recovery winch, forest fire tools, firefighting backpacks, and special forest fire protective clothing.

The UTV is primarily used for reconnaissance in difficult terrain and transporting equipment. It is based on a CAN-AM Traxter Pro, delivers 60 kW or 82 hp, is all-wheel driven, and can be equipped with a large loading area and a rescue backpack with AED and additional tools. The vehicle is intended to support emergency forces quickly even in areas where larger vehicles can no longer proceed.

District Administrator Klaus Grootens and District Fire Chief Julian Seeger emphasized during the presentation the growing importance of such specialized technology in light of the increasing vegetation fire risk. The district is responding to experiences from past forest fires in the region and is complementing its supra-local operational capabilities with a coordinated tandem of firefighting and reconnaissance vehicles.

“With these vehicles, we can respond faster, more effectively, and safely to forest fires,” said District Fire Chief Julian Seeger. “This is an important building block for the protection of the population, nature, and emergency forces,” added District Administrator Klaus Grootens.

The total cost of the two vehicles amounts to approximately 615,000 euros. The TLF costs about 550,000 euros, while the UTV costs around 65,000 euros.