New automobiles join the ranks of Dresden's fire department fleet
In a significant move to bolster its emergency response capabilities, the fire departments of Bühlau, Mobschatz, Pappritz, Pillnitz, Weißig, Weixdorf, Niedersedlitz, and Cossebaude in Dresden, Germany, have recently received eight new team transport vehicles (MTW). The vehicles, Mercedes Benz Vito Tourer Extralong vans with nine seats, were handed over by the mayor of Economy, Jan Pratzka [1].
Each new MTW costs approximately 75,000 euros, with the Free State contributing around 27,000 euros per vehicle towards the cost [1]. The new vehicles feature a box system with fire equipment in the rear and numerous assistance systems for safe travel to the incident site, making them ideal for both regular operations and transporting a large number of people in emergency situations.
The need for these functional team transport vehicles was emphasized following a bomb discovery on September 14, 2024 [1]. The unexploded World War II bomb, British-made and weighing 250 kilograms, was found during clearance work for a collapsed bridge in Dresden. This incident led to the evacuation of about 17,000 residents from Dresden’s old town, including culturally important sites like the Frauenkirche [2]. The discovery and defusal process likely put significant demands on Dresden’s emergency services, including the fire department.
Dresden’s fire department has a legacy shaped by the city's reconstruction post-World War II, with modernization efforts ongoing [3]. Recent portrayals in simulation games reflect current firefighting technology and vehicle usage, implying ongoing upgrades and modernization [1]. Although no explicit public record was found detailing fire department vehicle upgrades post-incident, the severity of the bomb defusal operation and firefighter injuries suggest that further investment in vehicles and equipment specialized for such hazards is likely being considered or enacted.
In addition to these new vehicles, the Dresden fire department is launching a new poster campaign in October to promote careers in the professional fire department and rescue service [1]. With the number of fire and rescue service deployments at a record high, reaching almost 180,000 in 2022 [2], and the Integrated Regional Control Center Dresden receiving approximately 2,200 calls per day [1], the need for dedicated and well-equipped personnel is more crucial than ever.
The arrival of these new MTWs marks a significant step forward in Dresden’s ongoing efforts to modernize its firefighting capabilities and ensure the safety of its residents.
References:
[1] "Neue Teamtransportwagen für die Feuerwehr in Dresden." MDR, 15 Sept. 2025, https://www.mdr.de/nachrichten/sachsen/dresden/neue-teamtransportwagen-fuer-die-feuerwehr-in-dresden,knn-000s.html
[2] "Bombe in Dresden: Evakuierung von rund 17.000 Einwohnern." Tagesspiegel, 15 Sept. 2024, https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/bombe-in-dresden-evakuierung-von-rund-17-000-einwohnern/26866172.html
[3] "Dresden - Geschichte." Visit Dresden, https://www.visitdresden.de/en/dresden-history-16507588/
In the wake of a significant incident involving an unexploded World War II bomb, the need for specialized vehicles within Dresden's emergency services became evident. To address this need, the fire department has invested in eight new team transport vehicles (MTW), being Mercedes Benz Vito Tourer Extralong vans, with each vehicle costing approximately 75,000 euros. As the city continues its modernization efforts in the firefighting sector, these new vehicles mark a vital step towards enhancing public safety in the automotive and transportation industries, particularly within public-transit and finance sectors, given the crucial role the fire department plays in Dresden's infrastructure.
