Tara Murray
Caroline Springs’ CFA will be one of the first brigades to benefit from new tankers being rolled out across the state.
The fleet of new dual-cab vehicles includes 48 heavy tankers and two light tankers, which will replace single-cab tankers and allow a full crew to sit within the vehicle cabin.
The state government announced 20 stations would receive tankers including Caroline Springs last Sunday.
The first tankers will begin being delivered to brigades as soon as next month.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said tankers are a vital part of CFA’s fleet.
“These new tankers are state-of-the-art firefighting vehicles,” said CO Heffernan.
“The heavy tankers feature a 15-tonne crew-cab chassis with a 4,000-litre water tank, while their 4×4 capability and automatic transmission will help crews access fires in difficult terrain.
“They also include features such as electronic monitors and electric rewind hose reels, as well as using a higher percentage of recyclable build materials.”
Manufacturing on the heavy tankers began in September at Sunshine North manufacturer R.A Bell & Co., with the final vehicles expected to be complete by September next year.
Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes said these new CFA tankers will ensure that volunteer firefighters have the latest equipment, and best protection to do vital work.
“Victoria is one of the most fire prone areas in the world and these new tankers will help support communities and firefighters stay safe across the state for many years to come,” she said.
“We’re delivering record funding for our fire services to keep communities safe, while supporting local manufacturing and local jobs.”
