SACRAMENTO, CA – The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District in California has debuted what is believed to be the first-ever fuel cell-powered fire response vehicle, reports Fuel Cells Today. According to a story in Adfero online, the fire engine, which is a Mercedes Benz F-Cell model developed by DaimlerChrysler, will begin operation in the emergency services as a supervisor’s vehicle.

Outfitted with decals, lights, sirens, and a healthy coat of bright red paint, the Fire Service Mercedes-Benz F-Cell is a look into the future use of fuel cell vehicles. The demanding operation of the vehicle will produce valuable data to help develop fuel cell technology. The new fire response F- Cell joins the first fuel cell powered police car, also built by DaimlerChrysler, which operates in Michigan with the Wayne State University Police Department. These two vehicles are the first hydrogen fuel cell powered emergency response vehicles in the world.

Hydrogen refueling infrastructure for the fire engine is provided by the BP Energy station located at the California Fuel Cell Partnership. The fire engine will have a range of around 100 miles, with a top speed of 85 mph. It features a fuel stack developed by Ballard Power Systems — a partner of DaimlerChrysler. Last year, the same team introduced a fuel cell-powered police car with a police department in Michigan.