Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has boosted its fleet of fire engines in the Blue Mountains with the arrival of a new bushfire tanker at Blackheath.
The Class 1 tanker is valued at $450,000 and is the latest of 34 new appliances funded by the NSW Government after the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires.
The four-wheel drive Isuzu is an off-road vehicle that can carry more water than typical fire engines.
One of its most impressive features is its ‘Halo’ cabin protection system that sprays an apron of water over the cab to safeguard the crew in the event of a flash-over situation.
“The truck is also fitted with a fire nozzle allowing the crew to sit in the protection of the cabin and use a remote control to direct water onto fires,” FRNSW Acting Area Commander, Andrew Shurety, said.
“This state-of-the-art tanker has been built with firefighter safety in mind."
Emergency Services Minister, Jihad Dib, said the government investment in the new fleet of FRNSW tankers is providing an added layer of bushfire protection across the state.
“The strategic positioning of these modern appliances at regional centres throughout NSW means communities should rest a little easier next time there’s a bushfire in their area."
Troy has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.