North West Region gets a boost

The Sunraysia Group, Red Cliffs, Carwarp and Nangiloc fire brigades have each welcomed upgraded vehicles designed to enhance operational response, improve firefighter safety and support the region’s diverse risk profile. 

The two new field command vehicles (FCVs), built on a Ford Ranger platform, have been delivered to the Sunraysia Group and Red Cliffs brigade.  

The FCVs can be driven on a standard car licence, and the new design allows for increased equipment storage including whiteboards, benches, a refrigerator, workbench and upgraded communications systems. 

Carwarp brigade has also strengthened its capability with the arrival of a 23‑tonne ultra‑heavy tanker. 

The tanker carries 10,000 litres of water and is designed for grass and general firefighting in areas with limited access to reticulated or open water supplies.  

It seats three crew and features a bulbar mounted remote‑control monitor capable of distributing up to 450 litres per minute, along with a 100‑litre A‑class foam tank to support work ahead of fire fronts and blacking out. 

Nangiloc brigade has received a new medium tanker which provides approximately 2,500 litres of firefighting water, a 900 litre‑per‑minute pump and an ultra-high pressure system with 60 metres of live hose and electric rewind.  

A front‑mounted suppression monitor enables in-vehicle firefighting, and the 4WD crew cabin allows five firefighters to travel safely together. 

These upgrades come as Sunraysia brigades continue to respond to a steady operational workload.  

Red Cliffs brigade has attended an average of 148 incidents per year over the past three years, while Carwarp and Nangiloc average 22 and 19 incidents respectively.  

Trevor Weston, CFA Deputy Chief Officer for the North West Region, was pleased to see the region so well equipped.  

“The field command vehicles will provide more flexibility when responding to incidents and both the ultra-heavy tanker and the medium tanker will increase firefighting capability and the safety of our members,” Trevor said.  

“The new appliances ensure brigades remain well equipped to meet local risks, including structural and bushfire threats, and continue delivering strong service to their communities.”