Big red truck to loom large
Published Date: 24 Jan 2013
Summary
Daily Liberal
THE ORANA region will benefit from a new design of fire truck that can carry twice as much water as regular firefighting trucks.
NSW Rural Fire Service Orana Team Manager Superintendent Lyndon Wieland said the one-off prototype had been delivered and was available to assist during the peak of the fire season.
"The truck is a welcome addition for firefighters in the Dubbo, Narromine and Wellington areas, who will be able to test this new design," he said.
"It was impressive when it was put through its paces at a fast-running grass fire near Jaymark Rd, east of Dubbo in the Mugga Hill area.
"This truck is unique because not only can it carry 9000 litres of water, but can also be operated by a single operator, who can fight fires from the front seat if required.
"The driver simply selects the correct spray range and water pressure to suit the incident and moves the water cannon mounted on the front of the truck using a remote control.
"This new prototype also has an innovative 'on board foam system' allowing firefighters to fight bushfires with bush firefighting foam, and house, fuel and vehicle fires with different specialised foam.
"One of the challenges of firefighting is frequently having to refill the truck with water."
"This bulk-water firefighting truck means we won't have to refill as frequently, allowing our firefighters to get on with the job of protecting homes and saving lives.
"The trial of this versatile resource couldn't have come at a better time for the community and our volunteers in the Orana area as the fire season and threat continues to develop.
With a large number of bushfire outbreaks already this year, Superintendent Wieland said its should serve as a wakeup to anyone who does not have a Bushfire Survival Plan in place.
People can download a plan from www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.
"It doesn't take long to complete which is a small investment of your time that could help save your home or even your family if a bush or grass fire strikes," Mr Wieland said.
