New additions to Western Australia’s emergency services fleet are being rolled out to power the frontline response to disasters ahead of bushfire and cyclone season.
The new appliances are part of WA’s next generation emergency services fleet, a $140 million investment.
They include the Light Tanker and the 4.4 Broadacre, a General Rescue Utility and a Flood Rescue Boat, which were designed after extensive consultation with frontline personnel.
More than 140 new appliances are scheduled to be delivered to firefighting and State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers across the State in the next year, boosting life-saving work during bushfires, cyclones, floods and rescues.
About a third of those will be deployed to the frontline ahead of the coming bushfire and cyclone season, including 20 General Rescue Utilities, six Flood Rescue Boats and 15 Light Tankers.
The updated design for the Light Tanker, a first response firefighting vehicle, includes improved all-terrain capabilities and new safety features, including a partial deluge system for crew protection.
The 4.4 Broadacre, the State’s primary response vehicle for volunteer Bush Fire Brigades, is in the final stage of operational testing and will feature a range of cab chassis options to suit different types of terrain, so brigades can choose the appliance that best suits local conditions.
Both firefighting vehicles are being manufactured by local WA business, Frontline Fire & Rescue Equipment.
A new polymer hull will improve the durability and floatability of the Flood Rescue Boat, a vessel deployed by SES volunteers to locate people stranded in floodwaters.
The General Rescue Utility is a brand-new addition to the fleet and features off-road capabilities and enhanced safety to support the State Emergency Service during activities including searches for missing persons.
Each vehicle has been designed with input from volunteer and career personnel to ensure the layout and features can be adapted to the different types of terrain and conditions in WA.
The fleet rollout comes as the weather heats up and bushfire risk increases – a reminder for all Western Australians to prepare their property and have a bushfire plan.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Reece Whitby:
“The State Government is providing our frontline personnel with state-of-the-art vehicles and vessels to help them to do what they do best – protect Western Australians.
“We have worked alongside volunteer and career personnel in the design process, ensuring the fleet meets their needs and local conditions.
“Western Australia is a diverse State with challenging terrain, particularly in regional areas, so it’s important our fleet is fit-for-purpose, versatile and provides an effective response in all situations.
“All of the vehicles will be manufactured in WA, which is helping to power the State’s economy and create local jobs.
“Many of the appliances are being delivered ahead of the coming cyclone and bushfire season to strengthen the emergency response as we enter the busiest time of year for frontline crews.
“It’s not just firefighters who need to be prepared for emergencies; we can all take steps to reduce the risk of fire and keep safe by preparing our properties and having a bushfire plan.”
