Ford has turned its Ranger Super Duty into a specialised rapid-response fire unit, designed to get emergency crews and equipment to an incident ahead of a conventional fire truck.

Developed with Deakin University and XL Service Bodies, the Fire Response Unit is based on the Super Duty Super Cab, with a large tray for firefighting gear and secure storage for electronics and first-aid equipment. Its 4500kg GVM and off-road capability allow it to carry the required load while reaching areas that may be difficult for larger fire trucks to access.

Three-quarter rear view of a fire-responder pickup with red-and-yellow chevron livery, flashing red lights, and bold 'FIRE' lettering in a dim parking garage.
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“We are not trying to replace traditional fire trucks or the firefighters who crew them,” says Jeremy Welch, Ford Pro Conversion development manager, Ford Australia.

“But a Ranger Super Duty could carry the equipment needed to manage those critical first few minutes while the cavalry is on its way. The Ranger Super Duty provides a platform that could genuinely handle the job without needing heavy modification just to get it road- and track-worthy. The GVM and payload means we have real capacity to work with equipment and water, and the factory-level off-road capability means it can get into the places where these incidents actually happen.”

The ute carries high-flow and ultra-high-pressure pumps, with an integrated inverter and charging system with solar capability supplied by Zeliox Australia. The system removes the need for a separate petrol or diesel generator.

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Ford Pro exhibition booth with a black emergency vehicle on display and visitors nearby.
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Ford and Deakin used computer-aided design and full-scale virtual reality to develop the equipment layout before building a physical mock-up to test how easily responders could access the gear under pressure.

“The Fire Repose Unit shows what’s possible when industry and universities combine their strengths and vision,” said Dr David Halliwell, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Partnerships, Deakin University. “By joining forces on this project, Ford and Deakin have demonstrated how the right partnership can accelerate innovation in ways neither partner could achieve alone.”

The Fire Response Unit is on display at the AFAC conference in Melbourne from August 18 to 20. The custom build was developed for demonstration purposes and has not been certified by any fire or emergency service authority.

Attendees at an expo viewing a brightly colored emergency response vehicle with open equipment bays.
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FAQs

What is the Ranger Super Duty Fire Response Unit?

It is a custom-built rapid-response fire unit developed by Ford Australia, Deakin University and XL Service Bodies to explore how trained personnel and critical equipment could reach incidents ahead of conventional fire trucks.

What equipment does the Fire Response Unit carry?

The ute carries firefighting equipment including high-flow and ultra-high-pressure pumps, along with electronics and first-aid gear. An integrated inverter and charging system with solar capability eliminates the need for a separate petrol or diesel generator.

Why was the Ranger Super Duty chosen?

The Ranger Super Duty was selected for its 4500kg GVM, high payload capacity and factory-level off-road capability.

Is the Ranger Super Duty Fire Response Unit certified for emergency service use?

No. The custom build was developed for demonstration purposes and has not been certified by any fire or emergency service authority.

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