New firefighting resources for Lake Macquarie

Summary

Volunteers in the Lake Macquarie area celebrated the official handover of a new state of the art bush fire truck and firefighting boat that will help them to fight fires more efficiently today.

NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons congratulated volunteers from Cameron Park on the newest addition to their brigade, noting that the fire truck was a major step forward for firefighting in the area.

"The NSW RFS is committed to providing volunteer firefighters with the equipment they need to carry out the important work they do in protecting their local communities from fire.

"This new fire truck is replacing an older style model and will allow firefighters to continue providing a high level of emergency service to residents in the Lake Macquarie area.

"This valuable new fire truck is worth $170,000, but it is a priceless asset to our volunteer brigades and the communities they protect," said Commissioner Fitzsimmons.

Members of the Cameron Park Brigade were also celebrating the completion of a major refurbishment to their Station today.

"This brigade has a long history of successfully undertaking major fundraising drives to gather the necessary funds to upgrade their facilities.

"The substantial amount of money raised goes a long way in demonstrating the overwhelming community support for the Cameron Park Rural Fire Brigade and the work they do to protect people's property and lives from fire.

"The Lake Macquarie area sees a large influx of holiday-makers during the summer months and this year volunteers in the area will have a new fire boat at their disposal to help volunteers reach fires burning in inaccessible areas.

"It is a wonderful day for volunteers in the Lake Macquarie area to be receiving these new firefighting resources, just as we move into the hottest months of summer.

"I'd like to extend the thanks of not only the Service, but also the local community for the exceptional level of fire protection these volunteers continue to provide 24 hours a day, 7 days a week," said Commissioner Fitzsimmons.

Contact Name: State Duty Media Officer

Contact Phone: 02 9898 1855