RFS command trailer has 24-hr power reserve

NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) is the world’s largest volunteer fire service, responsible for providing fire and emergency services to approximately 95% of New South Wales. Operating across vast and often remote regions, NSW RFS plays a critical role in responding to bushfires, floods and other natural disasters.

To strengthen its frontline response capability, NSW RFS developed a Mobile Command Trailer designed to be rapidly deployed into disaster zones, providing operational coordination where it is needed most.

Natural disasters such as bushfires and floods often impact remote or infrastructure-compromised areas where access to reliable power is limited or unavailable.

NSW RFS required a fully self-sufficient Mobile Command Trailer with reliable power capable of sustaining operations for up to 24 hours in the field. The solution needed to support sensitive communications and coordination equipment, and needed to have the flexibility to be deployed directly into active disaster zones instead of relying solely on fixed regional offices.

Ensuring continuous, dependable power in unpredictable and harsh Australian environments was the primary technical challenge.

RFI partnered with NSW RFS to deliver a robust, field-ready energy system for the Mobile Command Trailer. To meet the rigorous operational demands, RFI designed and engineered an advanced 48 VDC battery storage and power management system built exclusively around PowerPlus Energy lithium storage and a high-performance Victron Energy ecosystem.

The system utilises a scaled parallel layout featuring 16 PowerPlus Energy LiFe4838P self-managed batteries, delivering a combined, resilient storage capacity of 60.8 kWh. Power conversion is managed through three Victron Quattro 8 kVA inverter/chargers providing 3-phase power, in order to ensure maximum system redundancy and seamless power delivery to mission-critical communications gear. Supplementary power is also provided from 3.7 kW of Suntech 415W solar modules on the roof, helping keep communications connected in all conditions. System performance and real-time telemetry are funnelled through a high-resolution touchscreen interface, allowing field operators complete on-ground visibility.

The project was completed over an 18-month period and involved close collaboration between RFI, PowerPlus Energy and NSW RFS engineering teams, with installation performed by Active Electrical Australia Pty Ltd, contributing to the successful rollout.

With the Mobile Command Trailer now operational, NSW RFS has significantly enhanced its disaster response capability.

Command infrastructure can now be positioned directly in disaster zones, providing operational independence and reduced reliance on regional offices. This in turn improves community response, with faster coordination during bushfires and floods, and enhanced resilience, with reliable 24-hour power capability in remote environments.

This solution enables NSW RFS to respond more efficiently during critical disaster recovery efforts, providing faster on-ground assistance and improving operational continuity when communities need it most.

“The Mobile Command Trailer significantly enhances our ability to respond rapidly to disasters across New South Wales,” said Brendan Doyle, Manager Logistics NSW Rural Fire Service. “Having a self-sufficient power solution that can reliably operate for extended periods in the field means we can establish command operations exactly where they’re needed — without relying on fixed infrastructure. This capability strengthens our frontline response and ultimately helps us support communities faster during critical incidents.”

Following the successful rollout, NSW RFS continues to partner with RFI for technical support, firmware optimisation and future fleet collaboration.