Hornsby/Ku-Ring-Gai Rural Fire Service in a strong position for summer

Summary

Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant today joined Member for Hornsby Matt Kean, Member for Ku-Ring-Gai Alister Henskens and Member for Epping Damien Tudehope at the Hornsby/Ku-ring-gai Fire Control Centre today to meet local NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) volunteer firefighters and inspect new vehicles.

Mr Grant thanked the volunteers on site, and the 1,100 members who make up the Hornsby/Ku-Ring-Gai NSW RFS District, for their hard work and dedication to protecting lives and property.

“With the driest winter on record since 2002, and hot conditions forecast for November we are anticipating a tough bush fire season,” Mr Grant said.

“It’s a pleasure to visit NSW RFS facilities, meet with volunteers and personally thank them for their selflessness and commitment to the safety of their communities.

Mr Kean said local firefighting capabilities were recently enhanced with the delivery of new and repurposed fire trucks provided for the Hornsby Heights, Ku-ring-gai, Cherrybrook and Berowra Rural Fire Brigades (RFB).

“The Hornsby Heights and Ku-ring-gai Brigades each received new Category 1 tankers worth $330,000 while Hornsby Heights and Berowra both received a repurposed Category 7 tanker,” Mr Kean said.

Mr Tudehope said the Cherrybrook RFB had recently received a new prototype vehicle.

The $180,000 Cherrybrook 17 support vehicle is equipped with storage for Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus (CABA) sets, computer terminals and screens, multiple radios, an on board power supply and flood lights.

“This vehicle can provide support at structure fires, act as a forward command centre and provide external lighting and power, making it a valuable asset for all local brigades,” Mr Tudehope said.

“Cherrybrook volunteers fundraised $120,000 to go towards this new vehicle and they are to be commended for going above and beyond the call of duty in the name of community safety.”

Mr Henskens said that the Liberals & Nationals Government continues to prioritise the safety of NSW RFS volunteers by ensuing they have the necessary equipment to carry out their lifesaving work.

“These vehicles will enable local firefighters to provide an even greater level of fire protection to residents living in the Hornsby/Ku-ring-gai District,” Mr Henskens said.

The NSW Government has invested more than $2 million this financial year in the construction of new fire stations for the Hornsby/Ku-ring-gai Support Brigade and the Berowra Rural Fire Brigade.

Contact Name: Douglas Martin

Contact Phone: 0438 371 354