General News
23 March, 2023
CFA’s new tank
BOOKAAR Fire Brigade added a new big fill trailer to its fleet recently.
BOOKAAR Fire Brigade added a new big fill trailer to its fleet recently.
CFA commander Dion Robinson was in attendance to present the new equipment to captain Neil Dickson and other brigade members.
The single-axle trailer is equipped with a water-cooled diesel engine, coupled to a pump with an output of up to 2000 litres per minute.
The unit will be used by the Camperdown group of brigades and can be used at water fill points to refill multiple fire trucks at the same time or supply water directly to the fire.
It can also be used in a relay pumping situation or connected to a hydrant if necessary.
The big fill trailer is useful for both bushfire and static fire events such as structure fires.
Bookaar captain Dickson said the Camperdown group was “pleased” to receive the appliance through the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) and brigade funds from generous community donations.
“The unit will fill a gap in our firefighting capacity for the region,” he said.
“There are sites across our response area that can require a high quantity of water should a fire start.”
Commander Robinson said the unit would be a key asset for not only the brigade, but neighbouring brigades, the Camperdown group and wider community,
“The big fill will benefit the brigade by boosting its capacity to respond to a wide range of incidents, which in turn will increase the level of service provided to the community,” he said.
“They’ll be able to go out, drop the trailer, reload their trucks in one or two minutes full of water, and get back and tackle the fire ground.
“Operation will be able to go faster, and they’ll be able to hit the fire harder and faster.
“Overall, it means a greater capacity for the brigade.”
The brigade also gathered to present service awards to long-serving members of the brigade to acknowledge the commitment they have made to CFA and their community.