New fire engine unveiled in Moss Side as Greater Manchester expands frontline fleet

Saturday, 20 September 2025 10:28

By David Murphy

Radio Presenter Billy interviewing members of GMFRS (Credit: Roch Valley Radio)

A brand new fire engine has been added to Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service’s fleet, marking the second expansion in less than a year.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has unveiled its 52nd fire engine, stationed at Moss Side Community Fire Station, following a £3.5 million investment programme aimed at keeping communities safer.

The engine was officially launched on Friday 19 September at an event attended by Deputy Mayor for Safer and Stronger Communities Kate Green, GMFRS Chief Fire Officer Dave Russel and frontline firefighters.

The addition follows the service’s 2023 Fire Cover Review, which identified ways to strengthen resilience and operational capacity across a rapidly growing city region. Alongside new engines, the investment is funding the replacement of 15 existing vehicles with greener, state-of-the-art models.

Mayor Andy Burnham said the move was a key step in reversing years of austerity-era cuts:

“It has always been a stated promise of mine to reverse the cuts dealt to our emergency services and get it back into growth. We’ve maintained this commitment despite the challenges facing fire and rescue services nationwide.”

Chief Fire Officer Dave Russel added that the new engine would “enable our crews to provide the highest level of service to communities throughout Greater Manchester, delivering on our aim of being a modern, flexible and resilient fire and rescue service.”

Deputy Mayor Kate Green said the upgrades were part of a wider programme, which also includes new fire stations in Blackley, Whitefield and Stockport, along with improved firefighter facilities.

The first additional fire engine from the review was introduced at Manchester Central in December 2024, the first increase in fleet size in more than 18 years. GMFRS says the increased capacity will strengthen emergency cover both in the city centre and across Greater Manchester, while also allowing more prevention and protection work in high-risk areas.