9000 reasons to be thankful for this big fella
Published Date: 07 Jan 2013
Summary
Young Witness
IN THE midst of the hottest period experienced in the Young dfistrict since 2009, relief has come in the form of a $50,000 tanker.
Communities throughout the South West Slopes area are set to benefit from the new design of fire truck that can carry twice as much water as regular firefighting trucks.
NSW Rural Fire Service South West Slopes Zone manager, Inspector Andrew Dillon said the one-off prototype would be trialled in the local area during the peak of the fire season.
"The truck is a welcome addition for firefighters in the Boorowa, Harden, Cootamundra and Young areas, who will be the first to test this new design," he said.
Inspector Dillon said the vehicle unique because it would not only carry 9000 litres of water, but could also be operated by a single firefighter, who can fight fires from the front seat if required.
"The driver simply selects the correct spray range and water pressure to suit the incident and moves the hose mounted on the front of the truck using a remote control," he explained.
This new prototype also has an innovative 'on board foam system' allowing firefighters to fight bush fires with bush firefighting foam, and house, fuel and vehicle fires with different specialised foam.
"One of the challenges of firefighting is frequently having to refill the truck with water," Inspector Dillon said.
"This bulk-water firefighting truck means we won't have to refill as frequently, allowing our firefighters to get on with the job of protecting homes and saving lives," he said.
"The trial of this versatile resource couldn't have come at a better time for volunteers in the south west slopes area as we move into the busy holiday season," Inspector Dillon said.
After helping firefighters protect communities during the peak of the South West Slopes fire season, the truck is likely to travel north to help the firefighting effort in Moree, Narrabri and Gwydir.
"In the last six months we've already seen more than 5,200 bush fires in NSW. This should be a wake-up call to anyone who doesn't have a Bush Fire Survival plan. People can download a plan from www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.
"It only takes around half an hour to complete; a small investment of your time that could help save your home or even your family if a bush fire strikes," Inspector Dillon said.
