Next-gen fire trucks delivered to NSW Rural Fire Service

As the Bush Fire Danger Period for NSW begins today (1 October), the state government is seeking to protect communities from bushfires and other emergencies, having delivered 290 new and refurbished firefighting vehicles to NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) brigades across the state over the past year or so.

In addition, the RFS has recently taken possession of six ultra-large firefighting trucks from specialist vehicle manufacturer Tatra, weighing up to 26 tonnes and carrying up to nearly 9000 litres of water — making them the biggest firefighting trucks in the RFS fleet. The RFS has also refurbished its Mobile Command Centre and upgraded base camps to accommodate not only frontline personnel, but evacuated residents during a crisis.

Building on the NSW Bushfire Inquiry and other inquiry recommendations to modernise the RFS fleet, the new trucks are equipped with mobile data terminals (MDTs) to improve crews’ communication, connectivity and safety in remote and disaster-impacted areas. To date, MDTs have been installed in 3600 vehicles across 30 RFS districts.

The new equipment and resources expand the RFS’s capability and versatility, as the agency prepares to move its home base for equipment and infrastructure later this year. The RFS will upgrade from its Glendenning logistics warehouse to a new, larger State Logistics Facility in nearby Marsden Park.

“This government is committed to providing frontline volunteers with the equipment and technology they need and the strongest support possible,” said NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib.

“These new trucks and the logistics support demonstrate the versatility of the RFS; regardless of the wet weather, they’ve been undertaking vital work with the SES over recent months, and I thank our volunteers.”

“These trucks are more than just vehicles,” added NSW Premier Chris Minns. “They’re vital tools protecting lives, supporting our firefighters and strengthening community safety across NSW.

“In recent months we have seen the best of our emergency volunteers who have come out in force to support communities across NSW and the investment in this new equipment is vital.”

“The rollout of these modern, purpose-built vehicles is part of a long-term strategic program to futureproof our fleet and better protect our members,” concluded NSW RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin.

“These vehicles feature the latest in crew protection systems, improved safety design and communications equipment helping our crews to operate in the toughest conditions. This work will help make sure our volunteers will come home safely after fighting bushfires across the state.”

Image credit: iStock.com/AnnaGreen