The Tasmania Fire Service is taking delivery of 14 state-of-the-art heavy tankers that will give our firefighters greater cabilities to fight bushfires this season.
Developed in-house by TFS Engineering Services, the new tankers are fitted with Compressed Air Foam Systems (CAFS), which enhance firefighters’ ability to suppress fire.
The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to better protecting Tasmanian lives and property from the danger of bushfires.
These new tankers represent the latest capital investment in the frontline of our fire service, and will soon enter service with brigades around the State.
A generous donation of $166,000 from the not-for-profit organisation the Rapid Response Team has supported the TFS in fitting CAFS to six of the tankers, which are being allocated to brigades in communities touched by the 2013 fires.
This $3.5 million project demonstrates that Tasmania is at the forefront in adopting new technology to fight bushfires and adds to the Active Vehicle Location system that was tested in yesterday’s Exercise Connect.
Both of these initiatives are not only about improving the effectiveness of our firefighters, but also, and most importantly, their safety.
Central to protecting lives and property is the Liberal Government’s record $28.5 million investment in the most comprehensive cross-tenure fuel reduction program in this State’s history.
In the last financial year, the total area subject to fuel reduction burns was 28,410 hectares, a significant increase on the 17,800 burnt in the previous year, which means that Tasmania is better prepared than ever for the coming bushfire season.
The commissioning of these new tankers – completed with the latest safety features – will further strengthen the State’s response to bushfires.
Rene Hidding, Minister for Police and Emergency Management
