Millicent Spencer
The Sunbury Country Fire Association (CFA) will receive a new heavy tanker by late- 2023.
The local CFA was one of the 28 brigades chosen in the final phase of the replacement tanker roll out across the state.
CFA chief executive Jason Heffernan said tankers are a vital part of CFA’s fleet, with more than 1900 across the state.
“These new tankers are state-of-the-art firefighting vehicles,” he said.
“The Heavy Tankers feature a 15-tonne crew-cab chassis with a 4,000-litre water tank, while their 4×4 capability and automatic transmission will help crews access fires in difficult terrain.
“They also include features such as electronic monitors and electric rewind hose reels, as well as using a higher percentage of recyclable build materials.”
The CFA said the new tankers will ensure volunteer firefighters are well equipped to protect their communities.
The new heavy tankers have a 1200 l/min diesel engine-driven fire-fighting pump, crew/vehicle roll over and burn-over protection, and full equipment stowage cache.
Manufacturing on the Heavy Tankers began in September 2021 at Sunshine North manufacturer R.A Bell & Co., with 20 brigades already making use of their new vehicles.
The final tankers, including the one for the South Morang brigade, are expected to be complete by September.
The new appliances have been funded through the Victorian Government’s $126m CFA Capability Funding package, announced in June 2020.
