Oberbergischer Kreis strengthens fire protection with new firefighting support vehicle The Oberbergischer Kreis has enhanced fire protection in the district with a modern firefighting support vehicle (LUF 60).

Oberbergischer Kreis. The highly specialized operational resource complements the district-wide capabilities for extraordinary operational situations and is available to fire departments wherever conventional resources reach their limits.

The specialized vehicle is stationed with the volunteer fire department in Waldbröl and is deployed by their personnel as needed. It is available to all fire departments in the Oberberg district for special operations and can also be used outside the district as part of mutual aid efforts.

The remote-controlled tracked vehicle is particularly used in situations where fires or other hazards allow only limited or significantly dangerous direct deployment of firefighting personnel. With its powerful water cannon, the LUF 60 enables effective firefighting from a safe distance. Additionally, the vehicle’s high-performance fan can be used to ventilate buildings, underground garages, or tunnels, improving visibility and keeping escape and attack routes smoke-free.

Its equipment also includes an integrated thermal imaging camera, which reliably detects embers and heat sources even in difficult visibility conditions. A dozer blade carried with the vehicle allows it to clear debris, fire residue, or obstacles, ensuring access and clearing operational areas. This makes the firefighting support vehicle suitable not only for firefighting but also for technical assistance and complex damage scenarios.

“With the firefighting support vehicle, we are making a targeted investment in the safety of our operational personnel and the capabilities of fire departments in the Oberberg district. The vehicle allows effective assistance even under extreme operational conditions without unnecessarily exposing firefighters to risks. At the same time, we are creating real added value for all fire departments in the Oberberg district and strengthening joint hazard prevention across municipal boundaries,” emphasizes Julian Seeger, district fire chief and head of the Office for Fire, Civil, and Disaster Protection.

By commissioning the firefighting support vehicle, the Oberberg district is further expanding its ability to support municipal fire departments. At the same time, the investment makes an important contribution to the safety of operational personnel and the management of complex damage scenarios.