Our fireboat is a vital asset for maintaining safety on the water, providing firefighting, rescue, and support along the region’s waterways.
Alongside offering a 24/7 water rescue response, our fireboat crews play an essential role in raising awareness and improving water safety for the community.
Our Boats
Rigid Hull Fireboat
Twin 90 HP engine craft
Top speed: 29 knots
Capacity: 4 people plus casualties
Three Inflatable Boats
Interchangeable 30 HP and 40 HP engines
Top speed: 10 knots
Capacity: 4 people plus casualties
These vessels operate on:
- The River Tyne between the costal piers and Newburn (tide-dependent).
- The River Wear between the coastal piers and the Durham & Darlington Fire and Rescue boundary.
What do they do?
The fireboat plays a crucial role in various emergency and operational tasks, including:
Where are they based?
Our fireboats are stationed at Byker Fire Station and on the River Tyne at the Newcastle Quayside pontoon.
The primary emergency response on the River Wear is provided by the RNLI, with whom we work closely. If the RNLI is unavailable, our inflatable craft can be rapidly deployed to provide assistance.