Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is enhancing the Solomon Islands' emergency response capabilities through the donation of four decommissioned bushfire tankers. These vehicles, although aged between 20 to 22 years old, remain in operable condition and are set to significantly improve local firefighting efforts.
New Bushfire Tankers
This donation comes in the wake of a $9 million allocation in the 2022/23 New South Wales budget, designated for 16 new bushfire water tankers. FRNSW has utilized this funding to expand its new vehicle fleet to 32, facilitating the replacement of its outdated equipment. As a result, four older fire engines were decommissioned and made available for international aid.
Boosting Emergency Resources
FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter expressed confidence in the suitability of the donated trucks, stating, “While they’re between 20 and 22 years old, the decommissioned tankers are still in decent operational order.” He highlighted past support to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force 'Fire and Rescue' Division, noting the substantial enhancement in their firefighting capabilities from previous donations.
According to FRNSW Fleet Director Ian Peisley, these new vehicles will dramatically enhance the emergency resources available in the Solomon Islands. "They are a larger truck than they typically run, so they’re able to carry more water… now they can carry more equipment and have a greater pumping capacity," Peisley noted. The trucks are equipped with four-wheel drive capabilities, allowing them to reach off-road areas.
Enhancing Local Firefighter Capabilities
Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, emphasized the mutual benefits of this initiative. “This arrangement between Fire and Rescue NSW and the Solomons is a win-win situation for everyone involved. Where NSW will benefit from a new bushfire tanker fleet... the people of the Solomon Islands will also receive greater protection during fires and other emergencies,” Dib stated.
The upcoming donation follows the April provision of 60 firefighting “turn-out” kits to the Solomons. Since November, FRNSW Acting Inspector Gary Power has been onsite offering technical support to the RSIPF, fostering readiness among local firefighters. “The firefighters here are really excited to be receiving the trucks,” Power mentioned, underscoring previous training provided to Solomon Islands personnel on similar vehicles.
The transfer of the trucks is facilitated by the Australian Defence Force, with the tankers being flown from Sydney’s Richmond RAAF Base to Honiara. The formal handover is scheduled for tomorrow, with FRNSW Commissioner Baxter presenting the vehicles to the Solomon Islands Prime Minister.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is donating four decommissioned bushfire tankers to the Solomon Islands, significantly boosting the nation’s emergency capability.
The fire engines became available for donation following the allocation of $9m by the State Government towards 16 additional new bushfire water tankers in the 2022/23 NSW budget. The funding has allowed FRNSW to increase its fleet of new bushfire vehicles to 32, replacing the service’s ageing tankers.
New trucks
The new trucks would prove a great addition to the island nation’s emergency resources
“While they’re between 20 and 22 years old, the decommissioned tankers are still in decent operational order,” said FRNSW Commissioner - Paul Baxter.
He adds, “We donated two fire trucks to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force ‘Fire and Rescue’ Division a few years back, and they provided local firefighters with a tremendous increase in capability.”
FRNSW Fleet Director, Ian Peisley said the new trucks would prove a great addition to the island nation’s emergency resources.
Greater pumping capacity
“They are a larger truck than they typically run, so they’re able to carry more water…water supply via hydrant supply is an issue in the Solomon Islands…now they can carry more equipment and have a greater pumping capacity,” said Mr Peisley.
He adds, “They can provide a bigger response; they’re four-wheel drives, so they can travel off-road. Once we commission the new appliances, which are in the final stages of build, and get them into the station, we will do a full mechanical and safety inspection of the four trucks. We maintain all our trucks throughout their lives so we don’t expect them to have any work required.”
Tanker donation
Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib said the tanker donation is an important deal that will benefit all parties.
“This arrangement between Fire and Rescue NSW and the Solomons is a win-win situation for everyone involved. Where NSW will benefit from a new bushfire tanker fleet, as recommended by the Black Summer inquiry, the people of the Solomon Islands will also receive greater protection during fires and other emergencies,” said Mr Dib.
He adds, “I’m very happy we can continue to offer a helping hand to our South Pacific neighbors.”
Provision of the four tankers
The provision of the four tankers follows the donation to the Solomons of 60 firefighting “turn-out” kits in April. FRNSW Acting Inspector, Gary Power, has been providing technical assistance to the RSIPF ‘on the ground’ since November last year.
“The firefighters here are really excited to be receiving the trucks,” said Act. Insp. Power, adding “Our staff have previously trained their personnel on that type of tanker, so they’ll be able to put them to good use very quickly to protect their communities.”
The tankers have been flown from Sydney’s Richmond RAAF Base to Honiara by the Australian Defence Force and are due to be formally presented by Commissioner Baxter to the Solomon Islands Prime Minister tomorrow.
