INGLEWOOD, Gisborne and Junortoun CFA stations will be among the first to receive new tankers in a boost that will ensure volunteer firefighters are well equipped to protect their communities.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The fleet of new dual-cab vehicles includes 48 Heavy Tankers and two Light Tankers, all of which replace single-cab tankers and allow a full crew to sit within the vehicle cabin.
More news:
The new vehicles have been funded through the state government's $126m CFA Capability Funding package, announced in June 2020.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said tankers were a vital part of CFA's fleet, with more than 1800 across the state.
"These new tankers are state-of-the-art firefighting vehicles," he said.
"The Heavy Tankers feature a 15-tonne crew-cab chassis with a 4,000-litre water tank, while their 4x4 capability and automatic transmission will help crews access fires in difficult terrain.
"They also include features such as electronic monitors and electric rewind hose reels, as well as using a higher percentage of recyclable build materials."
The Heavy Tankers also have a 1200 l/min diesel engine-driven fire-fighting pump, crew/vehicle roll over and burn-over protection, and full equipment stowage cache.
Manufacturing on the 48 Heavy Tankers began in September 2021 at Sunshine North manufacturer R.A Bell & Co. with the final vehicles expected to be complete in September 2023.
Construction on the two Light Tankers will commence at a later date.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Download our app on iOS and Android
- Bookmark bendigoadvertiser.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter @BgoAddy
- Follow us on Instagram @bendigoadvertiser
- Join us on Facebook
- Follow us on Google News