The Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crew at Gundagai, in the state’s Riverina, has welcomed a new multi-purpose tanker.
The Mercedes Atego Class 1 tanker, valued at $660,000, has been delivered to the town’s fire station and the crew has spent the last few days familiarising itself with the vehicle.
Pump-and-roll capability
Regarded as a ‘jack of all trades’ truck for FRNSW, the Class 1 is capable of traveling off-road to reach fire scenes.
It boasts a ‘pump-and-roll’ capability that enables it to deliver water while moving and an in-built “HALO” sprinkler cabin protection system represents an additional safeguard for the crew, particularly when threatened by ‘burn-over’ situations.
Fire and Rescue production line
Buckley said the tanker is one of many new vehicles rolling off the Fire and Rescue production line
FRNSW Region South Area Commander, Greg Buckley, said the tanker is one of many new vehicles rolling off the Fire and Rescue production line in recent months.
“This is a welcome addition to the Riverina fleet,” said Chief Superintendent - Greg Buckley, adding “The crew can’t wait to put it through its paces. We’re particularly happy with the tanker’s 'pump and roll' technology, which means it’s particularly effective in extinguishing bushfires and fast-moving grass fires.”
latest fire truck
Emergency Services Minister, Jihad Dib, said the tanker is the latest fire truck provided under FRNSW’s $17m annual vehicle replacement program.
“We’re ensuring that fire trucks that reach the end of their service life are swapped out for new vehicles that will help protect local communities for years to come,” Minister Dib said.