New fire trucks roll out in preparation for fire season

LISMORE MP Janelle Saffin has welcomed new firefighting tankers, operational technology and equipment for RFS brigades in Bonalbo, Jiggi and Tuncester ahead of the bushfire season.

MEMBER for Lismore Janelle Saffin said new firefighting tankers, operational technology and equipment have been delivered to the Lismore Electorate in preparation for the next bushfire season.

“New trucks have been delivered to Bonalbo, Jiggi Valley and Tuncester over the past 12 months.

“I had the chance to inspect the new Tuncester appliance soon after it arrived and it is an enormous improvement on the old fire truck, with the latest equipment and an airconditioned cabin which the local fire crew was most excited about.

“These new trucks are part of the Minns Government’s rollout of 290 new and refurbished vehicles across the state this financial year. The vehicles feature the latest in crew protection systems are designed to operate in tough conditions.

“Following the recommendations of the NSW Bushfire Inquiry and other inquiries, the trucks are equipped with Mobile Data Terminals to improve communication, connectivity and safety in remote and disaster-impacted areas.

“The rollout of these modern vehicles is a boost to firefighting efforts in our region and supports our RFS volunteers,” Ms Saffin said.

The Bush Fire Danger Period for parts of northern NSW begins on 1 August, with the danger period for the entire state starting 1 October.

Image: Superintendent Daniel Ainsworth, District Manager of the RFS Northern Rivers Zone, members of the Tuncester RFS and Janelle Saffin MP discussing the advantages of the new fire truck.