Fire Engines Photos

Amsterdam has been a loyal Mercedes customer for many decades now, and the characteristic Netherlands livery with its unique diagonal striping (also used by law enforcement and EMS) has also remained unchanged for many years too. This rather ugly split tilt full width crew cab is a new idea though, and rivals the London big box design for its awkwardness. It is a bit longer, though, as in the Netherlands it is normal to provide seating for a total crew of seven full time or eight volunteers on a standard pumper. Amsterdam normally runs with a minimum of six, but tries to hit seven whenever possible. Other distinctive ideas are the vertical fleet number on the C pillar and the station identification on the sunvisor, which are both standard practice all over the country.
The Netherlands was also the country which pioneered the overhead powered roof rack for ladders, suction hoses and other long items. These have been around for more than thirty years and are now universal. The idea gained popularity originally because firefighters very often draft from one of the numerous open water sources in this low lying country, and sometimes do so even when there is a convenient hydrant nearby!

Ed: good to see a UK bodybuilder winning contracts on the Continent

Added by Rob Johnson on 30 August 2026.

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