The South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue operates 33 frontline fire engines which cost approximately £180,000 each and remain operational for 12 years. They are designed to give firefighters the capability to immediately deal with a variety of emergency situations and carry a wide range of equipment including ladders, breathing apparatus, rescue cutting and lifting gear and chemical protection suits.

The brigade currently has five new Mercedes Benz "Atego" Rescue pumps in service, with three more ready to go "on the run" and a further ten to be delivered in the near future. These appliances have a four/five person crew safety cab and are fitted with radio equipment providing the vital communications link between operational crews and Fire Control.