The new $760,000 pumper now in action at Baulkham Hills Fire Station is a huge boost to fire protection and emergency response in the area.
C Platoon welcomed the new Compressed Air Foampumper to the station on Tuesday (August 25) with Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Commissioner Paul Baxter and Baulkham Hills State Liberal MP and Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott.
The Compressed Air Foam system allows firefighters to supress fires more quickly and from a further distance, in turn limiting smoke and carcinogen exposures for both firefighters and the community as a whole.
The pump supplies up to 4,000 litres of water per minute.
The “pump and roll” appliance can extinguish fires on the move, providing further protection to firefighters as well as increased firefighting capability.
Commissioner Baxter said FRNSW is continuing to provide its firefighters with modern vehicles that will offer top-of-the-line capabilities to protect NSW families.
“Latest figures show that Baulkham Hills firefighters respond to over 1100 emergency incidents each year and take part in more than 160 community safety activities to educate the local community about fire safety, so it is fitting that they receive this new pumper,” he said.
“An upgrade such as this ensures that our firefighters have the best equipment and the latest technology to help keep them, and the people they protect, safe.”
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said this new vehicle would serve to improve emergency response in The Hills district, providing even greater protection for local residents.
“The NSW Government recognises the wonderful work FRNSW do in responding to a range of emergencies across NSW this pumper will go a long way to ensure they can continue to keep our communities safe.
“This truck is just one part of a large roll out of vehicles across the state that will give our firefighters the edge when responding to the various emergencies that we manage and contribute to.” Mr Elliot said.
Commissioner Baxter said: “Our firefighters are prepared for anything – whether it’s rescuing you from a crashed car, providing emergency medical care to your loved one or humanitarian relief to your community during a natural disaster – having these vehicles in our fleet means we will be better prepared to meet the ever- growing challenges facing our communities.”
Fireman Scott Davidson (pictured) put on the new and improved personal protective uniforms being rolled out by Fire and Rescue NSW.
The new uniforms are heavy-duty but light weight and allow for enhanced manoeuvrability and coverage.
They also feature a customized moisture barrier, which helps prevent steam burns and keeps firefighters dry while on the job.
- The pump supplies up to 4,000 litres of water per minute.
- A Compressed Air Foam (CAFS) system will assist firefighters in responding to chemical, petrol and bush fire related incidents.
- It features a GPS navigation unit and an electronic message board on the back to warn motorists of emergency operations.
- The engine meets stringent emission standards.
- FRNSW replaces on average up to 40 vehicles each year with brand new and modern vehicles as part of a $17 million annual program.