New tanker bolsters brigade preparations

THE Eaglehawk Fire Brigade is ready for the challenges the coming fire season may bring, with its brand new heavy tanker already in use.

It became operational earlier this month, adding an extra edge to the brigade’s preparations for what experts have warned will be a long, hot summer.

Brigade captain Kylie Davis said the CFA had not announced an official start date for this year’s fire danger period, but brigades knew they had to be ready before November.

Preparing for summer: CFA volunteers Madi Sturt, Ross White, Kim Hardy and George Stockdale at Eaglehawk Fire Brigade Training this week. Photo: BRENDAN MCCARTHY

“At the moment we’re preparing for fire season just like any other,” Captain Davis said. “And we’ll approach that like we’re supposed to.

“We should all be approaching every summer like it’s dry, and prepare our properties for that.”

Captain Davis said the CFA website contained a lot of free information to help people prepare.

Be ready: Eaglehawk Fire Brigade captain Kylie Davis is urging families to prepare a fire plan – and act on it if necessary. Photo: BRENDAN MCCARTHY

“But the key thing is to make a plan and make sure the family knows how that’s going to work, and stick to that,” she said.

“Because when it’s time to leave you shouldn’t hesitate. When the fire’s there, you’re trapped; it’s too late.”

Captain Davis said for burn-offs, property owners had to ensure they complied with municipal local laws and the burns were registered at firepermits.vic.gov.au or by phoning 1800 668 511.

“It’s really important they are logged because it stops brigades getting called out to smoke sightings when it’s a registered burn,” she said.

New equipment: The Eaglehawk brigade took delivery of a new heavy tanker in August, significantly improving its capabilities in the event of an emergency. Photo: BRENDAN MCCARTHY

Captain Davis said brigade volunteers had been training regularly since taking delivery of the new tanker in August.

She said the appliance can carry 4000 litres of water and features a 4×4 crew cab, allowing for full protection of firefighters.

“It enhances our firefighting capabilities, especially in urban interface areas like in Eaglehawk where we have commercial and residential properties adjacent to the rural grasslands and bushlands,” she said.

Captain Davis said the brigade was always looking for recruits, both for active firefighters and for other roles in brigade activities.

Expressions of interest in getting involved can be submitted at cfa.vic.gov.au.