With 26 natural disasters officially declared by the Federal Government in the first half of 2025 alone, the role of Australia’s emergency services has never been more critical.

From cyclones and devastating bushfires to storms and floods, emergency personnel—both professional and volunteer—are on the front line delivering life-saving response and recovery efforts in every state and territory.

AFAC: Where the sector comes together

The annual Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council Conference & Exhibition (AFAC) remains the key meeting place for the emergency management sector, bringing together agencies from across Australia and New Zealand.

This year’s event will run in Perth from August 26–29, and Isuzu Trucks—Australia’s top-selling truck brand since 1989—will once again be a major supporter. On display will be a mix of their highly regarded 4x4 trucks and off-highway power solutions, with several all-new models making their AFAC debut.

New models for old challenges

“The harsh Australian landscape and weather events present many challenges for our emergency services and as we can see from the stats, the battle is not letting-up,” said Isuzu Australia Limited’s (IAL) Head of Sales, Craig White.

“Isuzu plays a major role in the supplying capital equipment that not only handles the terrain they operate in, but also meets the safety challenges these dedicated crews face every day.

“In an exciting development this year, Isuzu will be displaying variants from our all-new model range that not just mark a step-up for emergency crew operations, but also a leap forward in safety and function for operators.

“As well as the hardware, we will have a range of experts on hand to provide further detail on the products and technical information for the vast array of body builds that are required.”

Spotlight on the trucks

FTS 150-260 4x4 CREW
One of the centrepieces at AFAC will be the MY25 FTS 150-260 4x4 CREW—a pre-production evaluation unit designed with firefighting in mind, shown in bulk water carrier configuration. With a GVM of 15,000 kg, it’s powered by the new six-cylinder Isuzu DB6A-TCN engine (ADR80/04 compliant), producing 191 kW (260 hp) and 883 Nm of torque from 1,000–2,070 rpm.

Built at Isuzu’s Tochigi Engine Plant in Japan, this engine is designed without Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) to improve combustion, cut maintenance, and boost fuel efficiency. Power is delivered through an Allison LCT2500 Generation 6 automatic transmission—making the truck easier to operate, particularly for part-time or volunteer crews.

FSS 110-210 4x4 CREW
Sharing the stand will be the versatile FSS 110-210 4x4 CREW, equipped with a firefighting body from South West Fire Unit Fabricators in Collie, WA. With an 11,000 kg GVM, the FSS runs Isuzu’s robust 4HK1-TCS four-cylinder engine producing 154 kW (210 hp) and 706 Nm at 1,600 rpm.

Long a favourite in support roles, the updated 2025 FSS now comes with additional safety, comfort, and efficiency features. Like the FTS, it’s fitted with Isuzu’s Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), including Advanced Emergency Braking, Electronic Stability Control, and Attention Alert, along with passive safety measures like seatbelt pretensioners and dual airbags.

Built with the operator in mind

Inside, both trucks feature an ergonomic new cabin design, a Multi Information Display, and an ISRI 6860/875 NTS2 climate air suspension driver’s seat.

“Isuzu designs and builds its range of trucks, including these special units, always with the driver top of mind,” said Mr White.

“A common design architecture means that whether a fire volunteer jumps from a light N-Series 4x4 vehicle into a larger F Series fire tender for example, the layout inside the cabin is almost identical.”

“All components that go onto the vehicles from Isuzu and trusted OEM partners means that every detail has been taken into consideration in the design and manufacture of the vehicles,” he said.

“Isuzu’s 4x4 range is designed, engineered and rigorously tested for these types of operations and this includes the provision of engineering support to specialist body builders in this space.”

Meeting compliance and exceeding expectations

“The feedback we have had from emergency services around the country is that compliance is as crucial as the capability of the equipment in the field,” said Mr White.

“Our approach is to meet and, in some cases, exceed these requirements, as the situations these crews face can be at the highest level of extreme.

“Straight forward operation means that more team members can operate these vehicles safely, ensuring they arrive and return from jobs without compromise.”

Presenting the future of firefighting

A highlight of Isuzu’s AFAC schedule will be a keynote presentation from Simon Humphries, Head of Product Management & Commercial Vehicle Chief Engineer, titled “How the MY25 New Generation Isuzu can meet the needs of the next generation of Fire Fighter”. The talk will take place at 2pm, Tuesday 26 August in the Solutions Theatre.

Power solutions for the field

Alongside the trucks, Isuzu will showcase the IPS GS 020-PTY generator set, delivering 20 kVA with low-noise operation at just 51 dB(A). Part of a range that also includes 37 kVA and 50 kVA models, the GS 020-PTY is designed for mobile use on trucks or trailers during field operations.

“Whether it be fire, flood or thunderstorm, having the ability to supply reliable stand-by power during operation and recovery is crucial,” said IPS Sales Manager WA/SA/NT, Scott Lewis.

“The GS 020-PTY is perfect for truck or trailer mounter operation for emergency crew in-field operations and staging sites.

“It can supply power to pumps, electrical equipment, lighting and even refrigeration and cooking appliances that keep crews fed and in operation.

“IPS units utilise the same technology that drives the trucks, so naturally, function and reliability are at the forefront in these gensets.

“When first response emergency services move on, gensets are usually the lifeblood during the recovery period as power outages can last extended periods of time.”

Isuzu Australia will be located at Stand 394 at AFAC 2025, Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre, from August 26–29.


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