Firefighters at Fire and Rescue NSW’s station at Rutherford have received a new multi-purpose Tanker to deal with emergencies in the Hunter Valley.
The FRNSW crew has spent several days familiarizing itself with its new Mercedes Atego Class 1 Tanker, valued at $660,000, before the truck’s official installation. The Class 1 is a ‘jack of all trades’ vehicle for FRNSW, capable of traveling off-road to reach fire scenes.
Specialist Hazmat tanker
It boasts a ‘pump-and-roll’ capability that enables it to deliver water whilst moving
It boasts a ‘pump-and-roll’ capability that enables it to deliver water while moving and it’s designated as a “specialist Hazmat” tanker, capable of responding to significant hazardous materials incidents throughout the Hunter region.
An in-built 'HALO' sprinkler cabin protection system represents an additional safeguard for the crew, particularly when threatened by ‘burn-over’ situations.
Rutherford Captain, Dean Higginbottom, says the crew has been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new truck.
Tailor-made for fighting bushfires
"It’s tailor-made for fighting bushfires and putting out fast-moving grass fires," said Captain Higginbottom, adding "The HALO system is another great innovation that will provide our crew with peace of mind when and if they’re in the thick of a bushfire."
He continues, "With its four-wheel drive capabilities, the truck is built to handle the rigours of the Australian bush."
New FRNSW trucks funded by NSW Government
Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison, said the tanker is the latest in a long line of new FRNSW trucks funded by the NSW Government.
"The Government has listened to the needs of our firefighters in the wake of the 2019/20 Black Summer Bushfires and as a result, they’re getting the best fire tankers money can buy, straight off the production line to our regional centers," said Jenny Aitchison.
She adds, "Rutherford is a key location in the Hunter and it’s great to see the NSW Government investing in better equipment for our hard-working firies."
