Bowral Fire Station gets new $400,000 tanker
Published: 6th August 2010
Fire and emergency protection for residents and businesses in Bowral was boosted today as NSW Emergency Services Minister Steve Whan, announced the handover of a new $400,000 fire tanker to Bowral firefighters."The State Government is continuing to provide our firefighters with modern and safe vehicles for their vital work to protect NSW families," Mr Whan said.
"This new vehicle, which was delivered this month, is part of the largest roll-out of new and upgraded fire engines in the NSW Fire Brigades' history.
"The Government's record $972 million 2010/11 emergency services budget included $637 million for the NSWFB, providing $18 million to continue updating its fleet with more than 35 new fire engines and specialised vehicles."
Mr Whan said the specialist vehicle had been designed and built for responding to a range of emergencies including fires in buildings, bush and grass fires, road accidents and chemical spills.
"These new tankers can be configured as a standard tanker, hazardous materials or rescue unit to improve our firefighters' capacity to respond to all types of emergencies," Mr Whan said.
"This multi-purpose vehicle has many features including four-wheel drive for fires in difficult terrain and a water protection system operated from the cabin to help ensure the safety of the crew.
"The new tanker can pump 1900 litres of water a minute from its tank, which carries up to 2700 litres of water, and can also operate from hydrants. It is also equipped with special fire fighting foam.
"It has the latest type engine meeting the strict Euro 4 emission standards."
"The Bowral Brigade does an extraordinary job in protecting their community, and this new fire tanker will help them to perform their work even more effectively."
NSWFB Commissioner Greg Mullins said the new vehicle would enhance the response capability of firefighters in the Southern Highlands.
The 15 firefighters stationed at Bowral Fire Station had responded to 370 emergency calls in 2009/10. Fire crews were also actively involved in educating the local community about fire safety, carrying out over 200 community safety activities over that year.
"Fleet upgrades such as this ensure that our firefighters have the best equipment and the latest technology to ensure the safety and protection of local communities."