Bush fire-battling capability across NSW is set for a major boost with 18 new Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) state-of-the-art tankers rolling out across the State ahead of peak danger season.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the trucks are funded through the NSW Government’s response to the independent Bushfire Inquiry.
“Replacing Fire and Rescue’s existing 22-year-old fleet of bush fire tankers is a priority for the NSW Government, which is why we committed a further $9 million in this year’s Budget to take the total number of new appliances to 34,” Ms Cooke said.
“The trucks have been locally assembled by Isuzu and are currently being fitted out with equipment before being deployed to some of the State’s most at-risk locations.
“They will enable our firefighters to access bush fires in difficult terrain as well as be used for building fires, rescues and other emergency incidents.”
Each $530,000 multi-purpose four-wheel-drive truck features a water spray system to protect the crew, a compressed air foam system and a 3,500-litre water tank.
FRNSW Acting Commissioner Megan Stiffler said the new appliances will help firefighters where they are needed most.
“We welcome these new trucks as they will provide our firefighters with the best possible equipment and technology to protect life and property,” Acting Commissioner Stiffler said.
“The fleet of modern, advanced and environmentally-friendly appliances will also ensure our firefighters are safe while undertaking their vital role in the community.”
A total of $80 million has been provided to FRNSW in response to the Bushfire Inquiry’s 76 recommendations.
