Ahmedabad Fire Brigade Adds 15 Toyota Hilux Rescue Vehicles, 10 Boats For Emergency Response

The Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services (AFES) has strengthened its disaster-response fleet with 15 specialised Toyota Hilux-based 4x4 rescue vehicles and 10 new rescue boats, aimed at speeding up search-and-rescue operations during road accidents, building collapses, floods and other emergencies.

The 15 rescue vehicles have been procured at a cost of ₹19.74 crore and are designed specifically for rescue operations rather than firefighting.

Rescue Vehicles To Reach Accident Sites Ahead Of Fire Tenders

The specialised 4x4 vehicles are intended to reach congested areas, narrow roads and difficult terrain faster than large fire tenders. They will be deployed with trained personnel and advanced equipment to rescue people trapped inside damaged vehicles or beneath debris.

The vehicles will be particularly useful during the critical ‘golden hour’ following major accidents or disasters, when a quick response can be crucial for trapped victims.

Hydraulic Cutters, Spreaders And Welding Equipment

The Toyota Hilux-based vehicles have been equipped with specialised rescue tools, including hydraulic cutters and spreaders capable of cutting through vehicle sheet metal and iron structures.

They will also carry portable welding and cutting equipment, including cutting torches, to deal with heavier metal structures, grilles and debris.

The vehicles are equipped with:

• Hydraulic cutters and spreaders to cut through damaged cars, buses and other metal structures.
• Portable welding and cutting sets for heavy iron structures and debris.
• Telescopic lighting mast for illuminating rescue sites.
• High-beam LED floodlights for operations in darkness or smoky conditions.
• Rope rescue kits, life jackets and first-aid boxes stored in a dedicated rear cabin.

4x4 Capability For Difficult Terrain

Built on the Toyota Hilux 4x4 platform, the vehicles can operate in difficult terrain and areas affected by debris or flooding.

They are intended to serve as first responders during road accidents, building collapses, lift-rescue operations and other disasters. Unlike conventional fire tenders, their primary purpose is to reach trapped victims quickly and carry out extraction operations.

10 New Rescue Boats Procured For Flood Emergencies

Alongside the specialised vehicles, the Ahmedabad Fire Brigade has also procured 10 rescue boats at a cost of ₹3.40 crore to strengthen its response to monsoon and flood-related emergencies.

The boats will be used to evacuate people stranded in the Sabarmati River, lakes and low-lying waterlogged areas.

Boats Equipped For Search And Rescue

The boats are fitted with outboard motors (OBMs) designed to provide mobility during rescue operations, including in areas with stronger water currents.

They will also carry essential safety equipment such as life jackets, life buoys and rescue ropes, allowing fire brigade personnel to undertake evacuation and search-and-rescue operations more quickly during water-related emergencies.