Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority
Winchelsea Fire Brigade has officially received its new heavy tanker, a welcomed arrival to their fleet to boost their firefighting capacity in their local region.
The heavy tanker replaces their former medium tanker that has since been cascaded to fellow South West brigade, Inverleigh. The new heavy tanker is designed to operate across both rural and urban environments.
Having received it just before the fire season kicked off, Winchelsea Fire Brigade Captain Kaylene Stocks said the heavy tanker has already been a benefit to the brigade, getting its first run responding to the Mount Mercer fire on 9 January.
“We had to go over so much rocky ground during that fire, and it was such an ease being in the heavy as opposed to our previous tanker,” Kaylene said.
“It really has made a difference; it is a lot more comfortable and travels on the road really well.”
Equipped with a 4,000-litre water capacity, automatic transmission, crew cab and four-wheel drive capability, the heavy tanker provides enhanced performance, safety and comfort for firefighters.
It also includes improved interface features to reduce fatigue and improve safety and ergonomics, such as electronic monitors and electric rewind hose reels.
Crew protection systems are a key feature designed to safeguard firefighters during burn-over events, including radiant heat protective curtains, water-spraying systems and heat-shielding panels.
“Using the monitors to get down into the gullies was a real asset during the Mt Mercer fire response too,” Kaylene said.
“The fact that we’ve also got a lot more water than we used to on board, it lasts so much longer and saves us from going to refill as much as we did before.
“Having breathing apparatus capabilities too has been fantastic. We do have structure fires out here in the bush too and knowing we have a bigger water capacity now is a real blessing.”
CFA Assistant Chief Fire Officer Wayne Aylmer said the brigade will now be better equipped to respond to emergencies.
“The new tanker is a state-of-the-art firefighting vehicle and is much easier to operate – it will be a great asset to the community of Winchelsea now and in years to come,” Wayne said.
The Winchelsea Fire Brigade has 63 members, including 19 women and 34 operational firefighters, and responds to an average of 84 incidents each year.
Winchelsea is one of 48 brigades to receive a new, replacement heavy tanker funded in the Capability Funding package.