COMMUNITIES in the Otways will benefit from new firefighting vehicles that will boost the firefighting capabilities of Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) staff.<\/p>\n
The district has taken delivery of seven G-Wagens and two Unimogs at its Barwon Downs and Gellibrand depots.<\/p>\n
FFMVic Otway district manager David Roberts said the state-of-the-art, purposebuilt firefighting vehicles were fitted out with equipment specifically designed for planned burn and firefighting needs.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnimogs have a water-carrying capacity of 4,000 litres and can tow an additional 8,000 litres of water in a trailer behind the vehicle.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey have the capacity to carry four firefighters, double that of the existing heavy tanker.<\/p>\n
\u201cG Wagens are light tankers featuring new improvements for crew safety, including protection to shield firefighters from falling trees and branches.\u201d<\/p>\n
The tankers have a 630-litre water carrying capacity, greater than the 400-litre capacity of older vehicles, allowing FFMVic firefighters to stay on the fire ground for longer periods before having to refill.<\/p>\n
Both vehicles feature Falling Object Protection Structure (FOPS) above the cabin to help protect crews from falling trees and branches.<\/p>\n
\u201cCommunity members may have seen the new vehicles already in use around the district during spring,\u201d Mr Roberts said.<\/p>\n
\u201cCrews have been using the new vehicles in the preparation and delivery of planned burning.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis investment in state-of-the-artfirefighting technology plays a critical role in the protection of rural and regional communities during bushfires.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe arrival of these purpose-built vehicles will help FFMVic provide rapid responses to bushfires and other emergencies in the Otway district over the coming fire season.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
COMMUNITIES in the Otways will benefit from new firefighting vehicles that will boost the firefighting capabilities of Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) staff. The district has taken delivery of seven G-Wagens and two Unimogs at its Barwon Downs and Gellibrand depots. FFMVic Otway district manager David Roberts said the state-of-the-art, purposebuilt firefighting vehicles were fitted […]<\/p>\n