New CFA pumper for Lorne brigade

LORNE volunteer firefighters will soon be better equipped to deal with fires as they are set to receive a new CFA pumper.

The new pumpers will be able to seat five crew members and have a capacity of 4,000 litres of water every minute, equipped with breathing apparatus and chemical protection suits.

Crew members will also be able to turn out quicker while keeping volunteers on the ground safe.

Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes said Victoria is one of the most fire-prone places in the world.

“These pumpers are locally made for local conditions – ensuring our volunteer firefighters have vehicles that can respond quickly to keep Victorians safe.”

The new pumper will be one of 25 delivered in the state with the support of the Victorian government, with Lorne being one of the first 10 brigades to receive theirs.

As part of the government’s delivery of CFA capital infrastructure, $9.9 million has been invested to build 10 pumpers, with a further $18.6 million provided through the Budget to deliver an addition 15 vehicles.

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said the new pumpers will result in an uplift of capability around the state.

“These new pumpers will ensure our volunteers continue to be well equipped to protect their communities during an emergency.

“The pumpers were designed by our volunteers to include gender specific requirements to support women within CFA and to help encourage women to join in the future.”

The new vehicles will replace existing medium and light pumpers approaching their end of life with the first of the 25 vehicles due for completion in early 2025.

SEM Fire and Rescue will build the new pumpers in Wendouree, with the company having extensive experience in equipping Victorian firefighters.