New trucks are on the way for rural firefighters, with 290 new and refurbished vehicles delivered across the state over the past year.
And in a NSW-first, the RFS has taken possession of six ultra-large firefighting trucks from specialist vehicle manufacturer Tatra.
Weighing up to 26 tonnes and carrying up to nearly 9,000 litres of water, these will become the biggest firefighting trucks in the RFS fleet.
“The rollout of these modern, purpose-built vehicles is part of a long-term strategic program to future-proof our fleet and better protect our members,” NSW RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin said.
“These vehicles feature the latest in crew protection systems, improved safety design and communications equipment helping our crews to operate in the toughest conditions. This work will help make sure our volunteers will come home safely after fighting bush fires across the state.”
Latest Stories
Deployed trucks have already assisted in May’s flood recovery activities on the mid north-coast and are equipped with rescue capabilities, as RFS teams complement the work of other emergency services.
The Tatra trucks, in 4x4 and 6x6 variants, boast unique off-road capabilities.
This includes including tyres that inflate and deflate, with the manufacturer also specialising in military vehicles.
Built in the Czech Republic, with final fit outs completed domestically, the first vehicle is to be put to the test during the coming bushfire season as part of next generation fleet trials.
Along with firefighting fleet, the RFS has refurbished their Mobile Command Centre and upgraded base camps to accommodate not only frontline personnel, but evacuated residents during a crisis.
“These trucks are more than just vehicles. They’re vital tools protecting lives, supporting our firefighters and strengthening community safety across NSW,” Premier Chris Minns said.
“We are providing our firefighters and the communities they protect with the best possible equipment and technology.
“In recent months we have seen the best of our emergency volunteers who have come out in force to support communities across NSW and the investment in this new equipment is vital."
Building on the NSW Bushfire Inquiry and other inquiry recommendations to modernise the RFS fleet, the trucks are equipped with Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) to improve crews’ communication, connectivity and safety in remote and disaster-impacted areas. To date, MDTs have been installed in 3,600 vehicles across 30 RFS Districts.
The equipment and resources are vital to the state’s bush fire readiness and expand the RFS capability and versatility.
“These new trucks and the logistics support demonstrate the versatility of the RFS; regardless of the wet weather, they’ve been undertaking vital work with the SES over recent months, and I thank our volunteers,” Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said.
“The people of NSW can be confident the skills and capabilities of the RFS are respected both nationally and internationally — from establishing base camps in Tasmania and the Northern Territory to deploying firefighters and aircraft to the United States and Canada.”
The news comes as the RFS prepares to move its home base for equipment and infrastructure later this year. The agency will upgrade from its Glendenning logistics warehouse to a new, larger State Logistics Facility in nearby Marsden Park.
The new firefighting tankers and equipment boost the RFS ahead of the upcoming bushfire season.
The Bush Fire Danger Period for Cowra begins on the first of October, with residents encouraged to practice fire safety 365 days a year.
