Tenerife Adds Eight New Emergency Response Vehicles
Tenerife’s local government has invested over €1.8 million in eight new vehicles for the island’s Fire Prevention and Rescue Consortium. This upgrade aims to bolster the service’s operational capacity and enhance its response to various emergencies.
The fleet includes a heavy urban pump, two heavy rural pumps with 4×4 capabilities, and five light pick-up trucks, three of which are equipped with fire extinguishing kits. These modern vehicles are designed for effective operation in both urban environments and remote forested areas.
Rosa Dávila, President of the Cabildo, emphasised the importance of planned safety measures, stating, “Security isn’t improvised; it’s built through decisions like this.” She highlighted that the updated fleet will better protect both the population and Tenerife’s natural heritage.
The island’s diverse landscape, which features major urban centres, industrial areas, and protected natural spaces, necessitates resources tailored for specific emergencies. The new equipment will improve responses to urban and forest fires, traffic accidents, rescues, and other emergencies across the island.
The heavy urban pump will enhance city responses, while the rural pumps are geared for mountainous terrains. The light vehicles will facilitate rapid intervention, crucial in time-sensitive situations. Dávila noted that this investment will enable quicker and safer responses for both the public and firefighters.
Blanca Pérez, the Councillor for Natural Environment, Safety, and Emergencies, reiterated the commitment to equipping the Fire Consortium for any emergency. She aimed for Tenerife to be the safest island in the archipelago. Iván Martín, Director of Security and Emergencies, added that the new equipment enhances safety for both citizens and firefighters, improving response times and service quality.
Florencio López, Chief Officer of the Consortium, explained that these vehicles replace older models and are equipped with the latest technology for various emergencies. The new pick-ups are particularly versatile, capable of navigating tricky terrains.
The new heavy urban and rural pump vehicles will serve parks in La Laguna, Icod de los Vinos, and San Miguel de Abona. The five light vehicles will operate across the island, with three featuring kits for initial interventions in hard-to-reach areas. All eight vehicles boast automatic transmission, enhancing durability and reducing maintenance needs.
The redesign and improved interior organisation of these vehicles facilitate better ergonomics and optimal use of space, translating to a more effective and swift operational response during incidents.
