Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service has bolstered its firefighting fleet with 34 next-generation mobile firefighting pumps, ahead of what is expected to be a challenging bushfire season.
The $600,000 program, delivered over two years by the Tasmanian Government, equips crews with redesigned tank-and-pump modules that can be mounted on the trays of 4WD vehicles, converting them into fast-response firefighting units.
Minister for Parks Nick Duigan said the upgrades provide frontline staff with more reliable and versatile equipment. “We are delivering for Tasmania, with 34 redesigned next-generation mobile firefighting units constructed. The new replacement units have been delivered and installed around the State from Huonville to Arthur River to St Helens, including Flinders and Bruny Islands,” he said.
The pump systems form the backbone of the new units. Each includes an electric hose reel, allowing quicker deployment during rapid fire suppression, and larger lockers to protect pumps and accessories from heat and damage. Forklift compatibility has been added to simplify logistics and repositioning across Tasmania’s diverse terrain.
“These are a significant upgrade with electric hose reels, larger lockers to store and protect equipment and forklift compatibility,” Minister Duigan said. “This will allow Parks to continue to carry out important fuel reduction work on reserved land and respond to bushfires.”
The fleet is being supplied and fitted out by Tasmanian companies, led by Watson Engineering in George Town. Local involvement extends to component supply, fabrication, and final assembly, ensuring regional capability in pump and firefighting equipment manufacture.
With more than 40 planned burns scheduled this season, the new mobile pump units will play a critical role in both proactive land management and emergency response.
