The Victorian Government is ensuring that emergency services have the equipment they need to keep Victorians safe by delivering new ultra-heavy tankers for four Country Fire Authority (CFA) brigades, including Hopetoun, Berriwillock, Watchem, and Waitchie.
Minister for Emergency Services, Jaclyn Symes, said, “We are ensuring our volunteer firefighters receive the necessary resources to carry out their vital role safely and efficiently. I look forward to seeing the benefits these tankers will bring to District 18 brigades.”
The vehicles are part of a fleet of 29 ultra-heavy tankers rolling out across regional Victoria, thanks to a $12.8 million investment from the Victorian Government.
The new tankers will provide a valuable boost to the brigades’ capabilities ahead of the upcoming fire season.
“Victoria is one of the most fire-prone areas in the world, and these new tankers will provide improved safety outcomes for communities and volunteer firefighters across the state for years to come,” said Ms Symes.
Valued at $440,000 each, the ultra-heavy tankers have a 10,000-litre water tank, improving the ability to fight fires in rural areas with open grasslands, thanks to their enhanced water carrying capacity.
The ultra-heavy tankers also have a 100-litre foam tank to allow crews to work ahead of fire fronts and improved crew and vehicle roll-over and burn-over protection to keep firefighters safe in extreme heat.
“With the potential risk of an early fire season, Victorians are urged to have their fire plan ready and prepare for the risks of grass and bushfires,” Ms Symes said.
Hopetoun, Berriwillock, Watchem, and Waitchie fire brigades form part of CFA’s District 18, which serves Victoria’s North-West region. Volunteers respond to a range of callouts every year, including grass and scrub fires, bushfires, house fires, and motor vehicle accidents.
Over the coming months, another eight ultra-heavy tankers will be delivered to Victoria’s North-West region.
Image: Department of Emergency Services (VIC)
