Fire service fleet boosted by customised Skoda SUVs

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue recently added Kodiaq SUVs to their fleet.

These new additions, prepared by an authorised Škoda converter, will be used by different duty officers for transport purposes during incidents.

These Kodiaqs are the first Škodas to be included in the department's fleet. The SUVs will be utilised across various functions by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.

They will be used for several operations such as road traffic accidents and hazardous material incidents. The vehicles have been modified to tailor to the service's needs by Pressfab EVO Limited, a Škoda approved converter.

Their specific alterations include load area with grille and fire extinguishing equipment, blue-lights, as well as comprehensive communications apparatus.

Škoda cars can be customised for different emergency service uses across the UK such as ambulance, police and fire and rescue teams.

The customisation can include integration of emergency service communication platforms in the infotainment touchscreen, 360-degree lighting and other individual operational requirements via Škoda’s approved specialist converters.

Colin Carter, fleet operations manager, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We have opted for a fleet of Kodiaqs largely due to the amount of space on offer inside.

"The large boot has enough room for all of the equipment required by our flexible duty fire officers, and the option of having the cars converted by Škoda’s approved converters prior to delivery makes it much easier for us to get the vehicles into service."