Four regional towns will be better protected from fire this summer through the hard work, sweat and ingenuity of more than 100 Sunshine North workers.
CFA brigades in Warragul, Bruthen, Bridgewater and Tallangatta will receive new heavy tankers manufactured at Bell Environmental (BE) before the coming fire season.
The new trucks hold more water – up to 4000 litres – have better pumping capacity and greater engine power, the CFA says.
The delivery of the four tankers completes a program of 40 tankers, all made in Sunshine North, which will replace an ageing fleet.
Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino visited BE on November 4 to hand over the keys to CFA operations manager Craig Brownlie.
BE employs 110 people, manufacturing vehicles for the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, the Victorian State Emergency Service and Ambulance Victoria.
Mr Brownlie said the dual cab trucks would be a great addition and provide additional cover ahead of the fire season.
The new tankers feature a 750-litre emergency water tank, a 1200-litre-a-minute pump, are fitted with roll-over protection and a water-cooled diesel pump engine for quieter operation and are built to Euro 5 emission standards for reduced environmental impact.
They also feature a front-mounted water monitor, giving firefighters better ability to combat grass fires.
“We’re cetainly looking forward to having these trucks out at brigades available to better protect the community,” Mr Brownlie said.
