Fire protection in the state’s New England region has been boosted with the arrival of a new, state-of-the-art Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) engine at Uralla.
The $470,000 Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) Iveco Class 2 pumper enables firefighters to tackle structural, chemical, petrol and grass fires, using up to five times less water than normal.
The highly efficient system combines foam concentrate with compressed air to supply fire hoses with superior ‘knock down’ capability whilst reducing smoke from the fire.
FRNSW Zone Commander, Tom Cooper, said the fire truck is a highly versatile, welcome addition to the region’s fleet.
“Whether the Uralla crew is called to a house ablaze or an industrial fire, a chemical spill or a grass fire emergency…this truck does it all,” Superintendent Cooper said.
“Our firefighters are familiarising themselves with the appliance right now and we’re looking forward to seeing how it handles the cut and thrust of a fire environment.
“It’s also a rescue truck which works extremely well with the crew’s skillsets and ‘Community First Response’ medical training.”
Emergency Services Minister, Jihad Dib, said the NSW Government is providing firefighters with new equipment and technology to support their vital work in protecting life and property.
“This appliance is part of a rollout of new response vehicles across the state, ensuring our firefighters have the best resources available to manage all types of fires and other emergency incidents,” Minister Dib said.
FRNSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell, said the truck will improve emergency responses for the local community and provide greater protection for residents.
“This innovative new truck will enable local firefighting crews to better assist their community at its times of need,” Commissioner Fewtrell said.
Commissioner Fewtrell said the new appliance follows the recent $1.6m dollar upgrade of the Uralla Fire Station.
“We have given the original station, built in 1966, a tremendous facelift to meet the modern needs of its 16-person crew,” Commissioner Fewtrell explained.
“It’s been expanded to include two new engine bays, a new watch-room, extra storage, special designated zones to prevent the spread of carcinogenic particulates from fire scenes and change facilities for male and female firefighters.
The new appliance will help save lives as 83% of the station’s call outs relate to medical emergencies.
Of its 269 calls in 2023/24, 225 related to Community First Response (CPR) calls, in accordance with FRNSW’s regional partnership with NSW Ambulance.
