Quick Response Vehicles add to CFS capacity
18/07/2025
The South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) is beginning the rollout of 35 new Quick Response Vehicles (QRVs) to brigades and groups across the state, reinforcing frontline fire response capacity ahead of the next fire season.
These ultra-light tankers are engineered for agility and rapid response and feature a Toyota 79 Series LandCruiser Workmate cab chassis, equipped with a turbocharged diesel engine, making it ideal for rapid deployment in rugged terrain.
Each QRV is has an estimated value of $193,000, with the total rollout estimated to be worth approximately $6.8m. Two of the new vehicles have been Federally funded.
"These vehicles are mainly used for combating grass and scrub fires and are a significant investment in the safety of our volunteers and communities, particularly those operating in hard-to-access areas," CFS Acting Deputy Chief Officer Brenton Hastie said.
"They feature fire apparatus safety systems such as in-cabin water system covering all windows, an in-cab breathing system, and radiant heat curtains in-cab, covering front and side windows.
"The modular stowage system and integrated telecommunications make them highly adaptable for local brigade needs."
The QRVs come equipped with essential operational tools, including a manual hose reel, a driving light bar, in-cabin pump start, and scene/perimeter lighting on both sides.
To further support CFS' field operations, each QRV includes a 20L fridge, a 240V inverter for battery chainsaw charging, and in-station charging compatibility through a low-voltage connection.
This new delivery of QRVs will see the CFS' fleet increase to 81.
CFS Belair Brigade Captain Mark Brooks said the new vehicles will be welcomed by all brigades set to receive them.
"Every volunteer values new equipment that enhances our ability to protect the community, especially when it boosts their brigade's operational capacity and these QRVs certainly deliver on that front," he said.
Emergency Services Minister Emily Bourke welcomed the new vehicles into the state's emergency response fleet.
"Designed for versatility and rapid response, these QRVs improve access for our firefighters in steep areas and along fire tracks and they'll most certainly be welcomed by our CFS volunteers," Emergency Services Minister Emily Bourke said.
This rollout mirrors the successful design and implementation of the 2021/22 QRV fleet, continuing CFS's commitment to modern, safe, and responsive firefighting resources.
Brigades set to receive QRVs are: Morgan, Athelstone, Sturt Group (based at Belair), Snowtown, Waitpinga, Port Victoria, Norton Summit, Cherryville, Waikerie, Lincoln, Yahl, Yorketown, Mount Torrens, Barmera, Strathalbyn, Laura, Sellicks, Lower Inman Valley, Keyneton, Sevenhill, Aldgate, Bute, Paringa, Gawler River, Morphett Vale, Mount Barker, Paracombe, Halidon, Western Districts, Murray Bridge, Langhorne Creek, McLaren Vale, Lucindale, Sturt Group (based at Cormandel Valley), and Arno Bay.
