Marrara Fire Station gets new fire truck for International Firefighters Day 2025

Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services has unveiled its newest fire truck, as members of the service prepare to celebrate International Firefighters Day.

Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services (NTFES) unveiled its new fire truck, stationed at Marrara, for International Firefighters Day on May 4, 2025. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services has unveiled its newest fire truck, as members of the service prepare to celebrate International Firefighters Day on Sunday.

The new truck – a Scania Heavy Urban Pumper with call sign Marrara 44 – is capable of pumping 4890 litres of water per minute; carrying 2800 litres of water; and carrying 180 litres of foam concentrate.

It is also kitted out with a full suite of new battery-operated road rescue equipment.

Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services (NTFES) unveiled its new fire truck, stationed at Marrara. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The $1.2m truck comes in the lead up to International Firefighters Day on May 4 – a day focused primarily on honouring volunteer and career firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

The day also recognises current and past firefighters for their extraordinary commitment, courage and service to the community.

Services will be held throughout the Top End and Alice Springs – including Bushfires NT Headquarters, Acacia Hills, from 10am on May 2; Wall of Remembrance, Darwin Cenotaph from 11.45am on May 4; and Alice Springs Fire Station from 11.45am on May 4.

NT Fire and Rescue Service District Officer Eric Koomen. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

NT Fire and Rescue Service District Officer Eric Koomen, who is coming up on his 38th year in the service, said he felt “quite humbled” to have served the community throughout the years.

“That probably sounds a bit over the top but I truly am proud of being a firey and I enjoy it; it’s a very varied job,” he said.

“There’s some times when it’s not fun, and you rely and think about your fellow workmates and the people that are being impact at that time, but there’s a lot of rewards in it as well.

“Again, going back to that community, I think that’s what really brings it home for me; I feel quite proud being a firey.”

Bushfires NT Chief Fire Control Officer Tony Fuller. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Bushfires NT Chief Fire Control Officer Tony Fuller said firefighting was a “unique career” with “a lot of challenges” and encouraged Territorians to make their way down to one of the many events at the weekend.

“But there’s also a lot of satisfaction that you’re helping your community,” he said.

“And I think that’s what you find with a lot of volunteers.

“It’s just good to be able to give back to your community and help your fellow citizens.

Originally published as Marrara Fire Station gets new fire truck for International Firefighters Day 2025