Brigades across CFA’s District 27 will distribute more than $90,000 worth of new equipment over the next week.
Community donations from last summer’s bushfires will help brigades bolster their firefighting capabilities with new tools, including thermal imaging cameras, chainsaws, quick-fill pumps, among other operational equipment.
These funds were made available through the $4.8 million in donations allocated to a statewide CFA tools and equipment program.
CFA Acting Commander District 27 Gavin Parker said the suite of equipment will be added to the gear already being used by brigades.
“This rollout will provide brigades with much needed equipment to help them better serve their communities,” he said.
“It’s been a challenging year for many brigades; without the ability to host fundraisers in ways they normally would, this will be a little boost to finish off the year.
“This will assist local CFA firefighters in being more efficient and more effective in protecting lives and properties within their community.”
Thirteen thermal imaging cameras will be wrapped and tied with a bow in the spirit of Christmas and sent to brigades for Christmas Eve today, while eight remote area lighting systems, four manual hose winders, two quick-fill pumps and two defibrillators and more equipment will follow.
CFA firefighters in District 27 have been undertaking training to be able to a range of the new equipment arriving over the next week, which will ensure they are ready to operate it on the fireground this summer if necessary.
“The thermal imaging cameras will assist our crews in identifying hot spots at bushfire and low structure fire incidents, with these and other equipment making firefighting more efficient for local brigades,” A/Commander Parker said.
“This is all thanks to the generosity of our communities following a tough fire season last year, which has been encouraging for all our CFA volunteers.”