Hoppers Crossing Fire Brigade is sporting some shiny new wheels, putting the new prototype pumper tanker to the test over the next 12 months.
Funded through the State Government Volunteer Support Package, the next generation $800,000 pumper tanker will receive important feedback from CFA’s Hoppers Crossing members during its trial period as it becomes their primary truck, replacing their previous pumper tanker.
The new prototype pumper tanker has new and improved features including an auto tank fill system, touch screen controls, hydraulically-driven pump, an electronic message board, battery-operated tools and a thermal imaging camera mounted on the bull bar with a display inside the cabin.
Head of Fleet and Protective Equipment Danny Jones said pumper tankers provide CFA firefighters with a dual option that allows static water pumping or the use of a water tank on the truck.
“These trucks are best placed in urban settings where the risk is predominantly structural, but also with a rural interface where it provides firefighters some capability to fight grass and scrub fires too,” Danny said.
“It’s also a great truck to use for asset protection as part of a task force deployment.”
Hoppers Crossing Captain Paul Dimartino said the brigade did some training on the new pumper tanker before it was sent off for its final service and he was impressed by its new features.
“The new pumper tanker has a 3,000-litre water tank which is more than our previous truck which held 2,000 litres. This will give us more capacity when fighting grassfires on the outskirts of town,” Paul said.
“The pump operation is also a lot easier to work with and the auto tank fill system is great to use.
“We look forward to exploring its features further and putting it to the real test next fire season.”
The pumper tanker also has Class B and Class A foam capability and a 2,500 litre per minute water pump.
CFA currently has 42 pumper tankers in its fleet. After the next generation pumper tanker has been used for 12 months, CFA will review the specifications and consider the next steps for future trucks of this type.
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