New command vehicle for Gratkorn's fire brigade brings Hightech into the operations

New command vehicle for Gratkorn's fire brigade brings Hightech into the operations

Gratkorn, Österreich - The Gratkorn-Markt volunteer fire brigade has put a new command vehicle (KDO) into service since August 5, 2025. The vehicle, a Mercedes Benz Vito Tourer Pro 119 CDI with all -wheel drive and an extra long wheelbase, serves as a central management vehicle on the scene. With a value of over 100,000 euros, it is not only a technical highlight, but also a crucial step towards increasing efficiency in operations, such as fireworld.at.

The special equipment includes the latest digital radio and communication systems, including IT systems such as laptop, smartboard and printer as well as a blue light bar with speakers for announcements. The power supply is also carried out via an inverter that supports additional equipment, including handheld radio devices, a thermal imaging camera and a battery filler called AVL Stingrayone. The latter is an innovative extinguishing system that is specifically used against fires of lithium-ion batteries in electric cars and saves water.

versatile use in use

The vehicle is first used for operations for the location of the situation and can be flexibly usable for different use scenarios. In the case of small operations, it acts as a leadership for the head of operations. In the case of medium and large operations, the internal workplace with radio technology and management documents is used. In addition, the KDO offers the possibility of expanding the operations line through a pavilion and folding table carried, which is of great advantage, especially in the case of disaster systems.

The Gratkorn-Markt fire brigade is thus optimal for future challenges. The vehicle was financed by the market town of Gratkorn and donations from the population. The State Fire Brigade Association of Styria also supported the purchase with a funding contribution, as is also mentioned by meinzimzirk.at. Mayor Michael Feldgrill, Vice Mayor Günther Bauer, as well as other local officials were present to hand over the vehicle.

The new command vehicle not only replaces the previous one, but also contributes to the optimized management and coordination ability of the fire brigade in the case of operations. For example, the management workstations are equipped with WLAN and 5G internet, which ensures smooth communication during the missions and facilitates cooperation with other units, which can also be observed in other fire brigades such as Feuerwehrmagazin.de.

Finally, it can be said that the Gratkorn-Markt volunteer fire brigade makes an important contribution to the safety of the citizens with its new vehicle and is well positioned in terms of modern requirements for fire engines.