ROKEWOOD Fire Brigade is one of twenty-eight Victorian CFA branches set to receive a heavy tanker.<\/p>\n
The delivery is part of the final phase in supplying 48 new tankers to brigades across the state with the aim of boosting firefighting capabilities.<\/p>\n
With a fleet of more than 1900 vehicles, CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said the trucks will be welcome additions.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese new tankers are state-of-the-art firefighting vehicles,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe heavy tankers feature a 15-tonne crew cab chassis with a 4000-litre water tank, while their 4×4 capability and automatic transmission will help crews access fires in difficult terrain.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey also include features such as electronic monitors and electric rewind hose reels, as well as using a higher percentage of recyclable build materials.\u201d<\/p>\n
The new tankers will replace the brigades\u2019 existing single cab vehicles and are equipped with a multilayered crew safety system to protect from temperatures up to 600 degrees.<\/p>\n
The project was funded with nearly $23 million in State Government supplied money via the $126 million CFA Capability Funding scheme.<\/p>\n
Remaining cash from the program is set to go towards training and recruitment initiatives as well as new facilities and appliances.<\/p>\n
Acting Minister for Emergency Services, Anthony Carbines, said it\u2019s important Victoria\u2019s volunteer firefighters are well-equipped for the warmer months.<\/p>\n
\u201cVictoria is one of the most fire prone areas in the world and these replacement tankers will provide better safety outcomes for both communities and firefighters,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese heavy tankers aren\u2019t just a valuable addition to volunteer fleets. They\u2019re made right here in Victoria, supporting local manufacturing and jobs.\u201d<\/p>\n
The vehicles were built by Victorian manufacturer R.A Bell & Co with about 20 jobs created during construction.<\/p>\n
Two light tankers are also set to be constructed.<\/p>\n
All heavy tanker deliveries are expected to be completed by November.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ROKEWOOD Fire Brigade is one of twenty-eight Victorian CFA branches set to receive a heavy tanker. The delivery is part of the final phase in supplying 48 new tankers to brigades across the state with the aim of boosting firefighting capabilities. With a fleet of more than 1900 vehicles, CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said […]<\/p>\n