New $528,000 fire engine boosts Mascot fire protection
Published: 9th November 2009
Fire and emergency protection for residents and businesses in the Eastern Suburbs has been boosted with the handover of a new engine to the NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB) Mascot Fire Station.Minister for Emergency Services Steve Whan, today officially handed over the new $528,000 fire engine to firefighters at a special ceremony at Mascot Fire Station.
"The new Mascot appliance features a pump that supplies up to 4000 litres of water a minute for firefighting operations and a foam system to fight chemical, petrol and bush fires," Mr Whan said.
"This vehicle is capable of firefighting in most environments and also carries state-of-the-art rescue equipment and GPS unit, with an electronic message board on the back to warn motorists of emergency operations."
Mr Whan said the 16 firefighters stationed at Mascot Fire Station responded to more than 1,380 fire and emergency calls in 2008/09 and they were also actively involved in their community – carrying out 362 community safety activities.
"The Mascot Brigade does an extraordinary job in protecting their community, and this new pumper will help them do their work even more effectively.
"The State Government's record $903 million 2009/10 emergency services budget included $589 million for the Fire Brigades, providing $18 million to continue updating its fleet with more than 20 new fire engines and specialised vehicles," he said.
"This is the largest roll out of new and upgraded fire engines in NSWFB history," Mr Whan said.
"This means that since 1995, the Government will have allocated more than $243 million to provide almost 550 new and refurbished fire engines for communities around the State."
NSWFB Commissioner Greg Mullins said the new vehicle would further enhance the response capability of Mascot Fire Station.
"Fleet upgrades such as this ensure that our frontline firefighters have the best equipment and the latest technology to ensure the safety and protection of their local communities," he said.