On Tuesday 26 July Bessiebelle Fire Brigade received a new big fill trailer through the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).
Captain Will McDonald and Lieutenants Johnno and Owen Dyson were present for the handover of the unit from District Mechanical Officer Pat Hyland, Commander David Ferguson and Brigade Administrative Support Officer Emma Goetze.
The single-axle trailer is equipped with a water-cooled diesel engine coupled to a GAAM Mk500 pump, with a nominal output of 2,000 litres per minute at 700 kPa.
The unit will primarily be used at water fill points on the fireground, but it also has the flexibility and capacity to be used in a relay pumping situation and can be connected to a hydrant if necessary.
The trailer is made from galvanized steel and aluminium checker plate and has mechanical override, hydraulically operated drum brakes. It rides on 15” light truck tyres. The electrical system includes a battery supported by a trickle charger, LED floodlights and a green strobe on an air-extended mast.
The brigade is pleased to receive the unit, with Will stating, "Yeah, it’s a ripper".
Bessibelle brigade sits at the south-west corner of Budj Bim (Mount Eccles) National Park and has pasture and plantation within its area, but also has several rivers and creeks that can be drawn from.
The unit will be a key asset for the Macarthur Group and neighbouring brigades and groups.
| Submitted by |
Commander David Ferguson |