Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service deploys upgraded Unimog for wildfire response
Iain Hoey
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Unimog investment enhances rural fire response in UK
Image credit: Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that a new off-road Unimog is now operational following a £500,000 investment.
According to the Service, the vehicle was delivered in April after three years of planning and supplier collaboration.
It replaces a previous Unimog based at Wareham fire station, which had been in use for 16 years.
The new model has already been deployed at three separate wildfires over the weekend, the Service said.
It is equipped for a range of incident types, including wildfires, flooding and thatch fires.
New features support access and suppression capability
The Unimog’s design includes improved off-road capability and firefighting output, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed.
It carries 4,500 litres of water and 162 litres of foam and features three monitors mounted at the front, rear and roof for water or foam discharge.
Tyres can now be pressure-adjusted via a cab control to match terrain conditions, the Service explained.
A low ratio gearbox has also been added to improve the vehicle’s ability to operate in hard-to-access areas.
The original Unimog model had been described as an “invaluable asset”, particularly for wildfire response.
Wildfire activity has increased in recent years
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Darren Langdown said that growing incident rates had shaped the procurement decision.
He said: “We have seen a significant increase in the number of wildfires across our Service area over the past five years, and the Unimog has been an invaluable asset to tackling these.
“The new vehicle has some new features, which will enhance our firefighting capabilities not just on our heaths but in other hard-to-reach rural locations.”
Langdown also highlighted the importance of ongoing equipment improvement:
He said: “As part of our commitment to the on-going development of our vehicles and equipment, I am really pleased to confirm we now have our new Unimog in service and able to respond to incidents, which can include flooding and thatch fires as well as large fires in the open.”
Testing and training completed before deployment
The vehicle underwent operational readiness checks following delivery earlier this year.
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service stated that extensive testing and driver training were required before the vehicle entered service.
The Service noted that the deployment marks the conclusion of a multi-year project initiated to replace the older model.
It added that the vehicle is now based at Wareham, continuing its predecessor’s role in rural and large-scale response.
Wildfire response part of wider operational scope
While the Unimog has been primarily associated with heathland firefighting, the Service said it is intended for multi-incident use.
Its features allow for deployment during flooding and incidents involving rural properties with thatched roofs.
The Service stated that the upgraded water and foam delivery system is designed to provide higher output over wide or difficult terrain.
The investment reflects the broader strategy to modernise operational response capability across varied risk profiles, it said.
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service deploys upgraded Unimog for wildfire response: Summary
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has introduced a new Unimog.
The vehicle replaces an older model used for 16 years at Wareham fire station.
The new Unimog was delivered in April 2025.
It became operational after testing and driver training were completed.
The vehicle has already been used at three wildfire incidents.
It carries 4,500 litres of water and 162 litres of foam.
The Unimog has monitors mounted at the front, rear and roof.
It includes a tyre pressure system adaptable to terrain type.
A low ratio gearbox improves its off-road handling.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Darren Langdown said wildfire incidents have increased in the area over five years.
He said the new Unimog will enhance capability in rural and hard-to-access areas.
The investment totalled almost £500,000.
The Service confirmed the vehicle can also be used at floods and thatch fires.
This marks the completion of a three-year replacement project.