General News
8 February, 2023
Dimboola gets new truck for new shed
Dimboola CFA will have a new world-class tanker before the end of the year as part of a $126 million state government capability funding package. The 37-member brigade also has two other trucks: a light tanker, a pumper, and a forward control...
Dimboola CFA will have a new world-class tanker before the end of the year as part of a $126 million state government capability funding package.
The 37-member brigade also has two other trucks: a light tanker, a pumper, and a forward control utility.
Commander Lindsay Barry of CFA headquarters in Melbourne said the new truck was replacing one that had been in service for 15 years and was one of 28 to be delivered statewide.
"The new updated vehicle for Dimboola includes greater water-carrying capacity, larger pumping volume and additional safety features including crew protection features which are incorporated into the design of the cabin," Commander Barry said.
It also had electronic monitors and electric rewind hose reels.
Dimboola CFA members attend about 40 incidents annually, including grass and scrub fires, bushfires, structural fires and motor vehicle fires.
The brigade covers Dimboola and an area about 20 kilometres out from the town, with members also responding to calls from other areas across the region and state as required.
The $126 million package comprises 48 heavy tankers and two light tankers.
The locally made tankers will replace existing CFA single-cab tankers.
The new heavy tankers feature a multilayered crew protection system, ensuring the vehicle can withstand fire temperatures of more than 600°C, helping to keep firefighters safe.
Sunshine North manufacturer RA Bell & Co is producing the 48 heavy tankers, with the contract having secured about 20 new jobs.
Acting Minister for Emergency Services Anthony Carbines said Victoria was one of the most fire-prone areas in the world and the replacement tankers would provide better safety outcomes for both communities and firefighters.