New trucks to enhance CFA fleet

FIFTY new tankers are coming to CFA brigades across Vicotria.

Funded by the State Government’s $126 million CFA capability funding package, the new fleet of vehicles includes 48 heavy tankers and two light tankers, all with dual-cabs to allowing for more crew members to sit inside.

The first 20 stations are expected to receive their vehicles by the middle of the year, with Creswick, Buninyong and Ballan’s CFAs part of the initial rollout.

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said there are more than 1800 tankers across the state and they are crucial to fire brigades’ efforts.

“These new tankers are state-of-the-art firefighting vehicles,” he said.

“The heavy tankers feature a 15-tonne crew-cab chassis with a 4000-litre water tank, while their four-by-four 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 vehicles also include a 1200 litre per minute firefighting pump, rollover and burnover protection, and a storage cache for equipment.

Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes said the new truck’s safety featutes were important.

“Victoria is one of the most fire prone areas in the world and these new tankers will help support communities and firefighters stay safe across the state for many years to come,” she said.

“With its dual cab features and life-saving crew protection systems, these new CFA tankers will ensure our volunteer firefighters have the latest equipment, and best protection to do their vital work.”

The 48 heavy tankers were built in September last year by Sunshine North manufacturer R.A Bell & Co.

The two light tankers are yet to be built, and all tankers are expected to be ready by September 2023, with the rollout to be completed by the end of next year.