New $560,000 fire engine for Smithfield
Published: 16th June 2011
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services Steve Cansdell and Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Commissioner Greg Mullins will today formally handover the keys of a new $560,000 fire engine to firefighters at Smithfield Fire Station.
The fire engine features a pump that supplies up to 4000 litres of water a minute for fire fighting operations and a foam system to fight chemical, petrol and bushfires.
The new vehicle is fitted with a GPS navigation unit and an electronic message board on the back to warn motorists of emergency operations. The engine meets stringent emission standards.
"An upgrade such as this ensures that our firefighters have the best equipment and the latest technology to ensure the safety and protection of themselves and the people they protect," Mr Cansdell said.
"Smithfield's firefighters do a tremendous job protecting the community and this vehicle will ensure they have the best equipment and the latest technology for their work."
The Smithfield crew responded to 1252 fire and emergency calls in 2009/10 and took part in more than 352 community safety activities to educate locals about fire safety.
FRNSW Commissioner Greg Mullins said that many people don’t realise the wide variety of situations firefighters are called on to deal with.
"Smithfield Fire Station covers a wide area of industrial, commercial and domestic buildings and responds to a range of emergencies including major Cumberland Highway car accidents and of course fires," he said.
The Commissioner reminded the community that more house fires occur in winter than any other time of year.
"A key objective of winter fire safety this year is to get people to complete the quick and easy-to-use home fire safety audit at www.homefiresafetyaudit.com.au to help families prevent and be prepared for fire," said Commissioner Mullins.