eThekwini Municipality strengthens urban firefighting capabilities with a new Bronto aerial platform
18 September, 2026
eThekwini Municipality in South Africa has expanded its aerial firefighting capabilities with the addition of a new Bronto F44RLX aerial rescue platform. The investment supports the municipality’s ongoing efforts to improve emergency response capabilities in one of the country’s largest metropolitan areas, where firefighters face increasingly demanding operations in densely populated urban environments.
The city of Durban, located within eThekwini Municipality, combines high-rise developments, commercial districts, industrial facilities and densely built residential areas. These varied operating conditions require versatile rescue and firefighting equipment capable of reaching challenging locations quickly and safely.
With a working height of 144 feet and outreach of 75 feet, the new Bronto F44RLX provides access for a variety of missions from elevated firefighting operations to technical rescue tasks where access from ground level is limited or not possible.
The new aerial platform joins eThekwini’s specialised aerial fleet and further strengthens the municipality’s capability to protect lives and property across its growing service area. By investing in modern firefighting technology, the municipality continues to enhance firefighter safety, improve operational readiness and ensure a rapid response to complex emergencies.
“The safety of our residents remains our top priority. We will continue investing in modern infrastructure, advanced technology and the development of our firefighters to ensure that we are prepared to respond effectively in times of crisis”
Zandile Myeni, eThekwini Deputy Mayor Councillor