Cairns firefighters motor ahead with state-of-the-art truck

Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Craig Crawford today (Friday) officially launched a new half-million dollar fire truck – the first of its kind to hit the road in the Cairns region.

Speaking at the Cairns South Fire and Rescue Station, Mr Crawford said the vehicle was fitted with state-of-the-art rescue equipment, and super-sticky foam to douse flames.

“This $540,000 investment reinforces the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to ensuring our fire and emergency service personnel have the resources they need to perform their lifesaving work,” Mr Crawford said.

“The compressed air foam (CAF) capability fitted to the vehicle is a first for the area and means firefighters will have the upper hand when battling large fires.

“The fast-acting foam can be propelled further than water and sticks to everything it touches – including the ceilings and walls of a house – to suppress oxygen, fuel and heat.”

Fifteen of the trucks are now operating state-wide, with another 15 on the way under $34.5 million committed in 2016/17, with the Palaszczuk Government injecting almost another $70 million into the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) over the next two years as part of a Fire and Rescue fleet renewal program.

Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said the vehicle’s on-board rescue and recovery equipment will give firefighters quick access to people trapped in vehicles.

“This will help save precious seconds when time is of the essence,” Mr Pitt said.

“The vehicle is also equipped with a thermal imaging camera, a gas detection unit and emergency lighting to account for the variety of incidents firefighters confronted on a regular basis.”

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said the Cairns South Fire and Rescue Station covered a large area from Gillies Range to Palm Cove.

“This new Type 2, four-wheel-drive Urban Pumper Tanker has the necessary equipment to overcome whatever challenge is thrown its way,” Mr Healy said.

“It will effectively extinguish large fires and the truck’s road crash rescue technology will give firefighters the edge they need when responding to incidents.”

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the new vehicle is a valuable addition to Far North Queensland firefighting operations.

“This vehicle will complement the region’s existing fleet and ensure our firefighters can continue to provide a first-rate community service for years to come,” she said.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Far Northern Region Assistant Commissioner John Bolger said the vehicle would help keep pace with growing demand.

“Firefighters responded to more than 400 incidents last year, many of which were building fires, road crash rescues and bushfires,” Mr Bolger said.

“They are on track to exceed that figure this year, averaging 35 callouts a month for the past six months. This new truck marks an important milestone for firefighters and the community,” he said.

ENDS

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