Generous community donations have helped Mildura Fire Brigade to purchase a new breathing apparatus (BA) support vehicle, which will boost the brigade’s capability to attend more incidents.
The new vehicle was added to the brigade’s fleet in September last year.
It can transport 24 BA cylinders at a time, allowing the brigade to provide bulk replacement cylinders at larger house fires and factory fires.
The new vehicle also ensures that neighbouring brigades can leave a scene fully stocked and ready for their next job without the need to fill cylinders.
The brigade purchased the new vehicle for around $80,000 using brigade funds and through the CFA Donations Trust Program, which contributed to the overall purchase.
Mildura Captain Jason Currie said the new vehicle will be a great asset to the region, as this vehicle also enables Mildura brigade to support other brigades and maintains volunteers' skills using the latest firefighting equipment.
“The vehicle can be deployed as far as Sea Lake and Swan Hill, especially at larger, long duration fires. Since being in our hands we have been able to respond a number of times both locally and afar,” Jason said.
“It’s very handy for fighting fires throughout the region, as we have 24 cylinders on board and can make sure other brigades are equipped so we can refill them to assist.”
Redcliff, Irymple and Merbein brigades have recently been assisted by this vehicle.
Deputy Chief Officer West Region, formerly ACFO Manager Structural Planning, Brett Boatman supported the brigade with the procurement of the vehicle.
“The brigade now also has the capability of cleaning BA sets on site. The vehicle is set up so they can carry two spare BA sets in additional to the exchange cylinders,” Brett said.