.jpg "Member News image")
Lancefield, Bullengarook and Springfield Fire Brigades have celebrated the official handover of their new tankers.
The $1.2 million investment in the one heavy and two medium tankers will boost Romsey and Mountain Group's ability to protect its communities.
Mary-Anne Thomas MP alongside District 2 Commander Darren Eenjes handed over the keys to the three new trucks at an event in Lancefield today (26 April).
Commander Darren Eenjes said the new trucks have features that will improve firefighter safety at an incident.
"These new tankers are state-of-the-art firefighting vehicles,” Darren said.
“The heavy tanker features a 15-tonne crew-cab chassis with a 4000-litre water tank and its 4x4 capability will help crews access fires in difficult terrain.
“There are also great crew protection features such as a roll cage, spray systems and heat protection curtains.
"The medium tankers have a suppression system which allows for in-vehicle firefighting and part of the trucks' water capacity can be set aside for crew and vehicle protection.
“They can carry 2,350 litres of water, transport five people, and has four-wheel drive capability.”
The heavy tanker was funded through the Victorian Government’s CFA Capability Funding package and is one of 48 new tankers being rolled out to CFA fire brigades across Victoria to ensure volunteer firefighters are well-equipped to protect their communities.
More than 20 brigades have already received a heavy tanker under this program, including Mansfield, Seymour, Seville, Wangaratta, and Shepparton.
The heavy tanker also has features that include an electronic monitor and electric rewind hose reel, as well as using a higher percentage of recyclable build materials.
The two medium tankers were purchased through the Victorian Government’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) which saw Bullengarook and Springfield receive grants of $320,000 each. Both brigades also contributed $50,000 towards the purchase of their new vehicles in order to secure the grants.