A new generation of critical urban firefighting trucks to improve safety
28/06/2024
A fleet of more than ten new fire trucks will be delivered to brigades across the state from this month, which will enhance CFS' response to urban incidents.
The 13 newly configured trucks are purpose built to have critical urban firefighting tools and equipment as standard stowage items, better aligning our equipment to the incidents our volunteers respond to.
CFS Chief Officer, Brett Loughlin AFSM, said as communities in rural areas continue to grow and expand, we also need to adapt our firefighting equipment to suit the emergencies that can occur.
"As an all-hazards fire and rescue agency, it's important we are continually enhancing and aligning the equipment we provide our volunteers to ensure they have the appropriate tools to respond to unfolding incidents," Mr Loughlin said.
"These new urban trucks are the first in a new generation of vehicles and will be groundbreaking for the brigades receiving them, and of course the communities these brigades serve."
Data shows that of the 9,000 incidents CFS personnel have responded over the past 12 months, only 2,000 of these were rural incidents, with the devastating shopping centre fire at Stirling - which caused about $25 million damage - an example of where urban-specific equipment will benefit firefighters.
The newly fitted-out 34P trucks have four-wheel drive capability and carry around 3,000 litres of water. Manager Uban and Technical Operations Tim McNeilly said these brigades are the first to receive the updated speciality equipment for urban incidents.
"We recognise there is a need in certain areas of the state, for firefighting equipment to be focused around the diverse urban incidents our volunteers respond to," Mr McNeilly said.
"These trucks will be the first in CFS to be factory fitted with a portable ground monitor - essentially a hose nozzle - which enables firefighters to operate a hose remotely and from a distance, reducing the amount of time firefighters are exposed and reducing the risk of injury."
Standard equipment will also include new battery operated hand tools including angle grinders and quick-cut saws, for forceable entry into sheds, garages or through fences; a battery operated positive pressure fan, so firefighters can safely clear smoke from homes following a structure fire; and mounted thermal imaging cameras to detect hotspots within a structure.
Enhanced vehicle features including improved emergency warning lights and sirens, updated and improved cabin console layout, revised and updated work deck monitors and improved ladder stowage will make these vehicles far more versatile for our volunteers in a range of environments.
The trucks will be delivered to 13 brigades in the coming months including Coffin Bay, Nairne, Cadell, Port Broughton, Keith, McLaren Vale, Port Elliot, Angaston and Eden Hills.
Minister for Emergency Services, Dan Cregan, said the new fleet would ensure volunteers were better equipped to serve their communities.
"CFS personnel respond to much more than bushfires and this investment provides innovative ways to help them carry out other tasks, including in built-up areas," Minister Cregan said.
"Having the latest equipment on board this fleet as standard means volunteers are well prepared to tackle a vast array of emergencies across the state."
