Better pumps on new firefighting vehicles

Surfers Paradise Fire and Rescue Station in Queensland has acquired two all-terrain response vehicles worth $69,000 to better equip firefighters to respond to incidents during the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018).

The vehicles seat two firefighters and contain life-saving firefighting equipment, including a 200 litre water tank, a firefighting pump, first aid equipment and fire extinguishers.

Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, Mark Ryan, said they would help Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) respond quickly to incidents in heavily crowded areas.

“The all-terrain vehicles, funded by the Queensland Government, will be located at the Commonwealth Games Village and Oxenford Studios during GC2018,” Mr Ryan said.

“This is great news for the thousands of athletes and spectators who are expected to attend these venues, with the all-terrain vehicles allowing firefighters to quickly and safely respond to a range of minor incidents, including fires, alarm activations and electrical hazards.

“The vehicles also have off road capability, enabling crews to quickly access crowded or hard to reach areas.”

QFES Assistant Commissioner for Specialist Response and Planning John Watson said QFES crews would have improved capacity to respond to incidents at GC2018.

“These vehicles will enhance our existing emergency response capability and help QFES protect the safety of athletes, spectators, workers and officials at the Commonwealth Games Village and Oxenford Studios,” Mr Watson said.

“All-terrain vehicles have been successfully used for emergency response at other major events and they will significantly boost QFES’ response capacity at GC2018.

“At the end of GC2018 the vehicles will be reallocated to emergency services in south east Queensland, ensuring they are used to protect the people of this region into the future.”