A large contingent of local Rural Fire Service (RFS) members and the Boorowa NSW Fire Brigade gathered at the Boorowa silos this week for training and to hand over a new truck.

The new Isuzu purpose-built truck will service the Gunnary RFS and members used the day as an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the new equipment. RFS Zone Manager, Superintendent Trevor Reeves, conducted the handover and briefing session.

“The new truck will be more reliable and has enhanced safety features,” he said. “The cab and wheels have a spray system which enhances officers’ safety”

Carrying a 4,500lt water tank, the truck has two pumps and a diesel generator and can continue to pump water even if the truck is completely immobilised.

“Having this new truck reduces the overall average age of the local fleet,” said Superintendent Reeves. “I hope we don’t have to use it, but it’s good to know we have advanced equipment.”

The new truck brings the fleet vehicles to 22 and the old truck will be sold by local tender. The Boorowa fleet is now completely diesel powered, the last petrol vehicle being sold in December 2007.

MVA training

After the truck handover and briefing, Trevor Reeves led the group in a training exercise to polish their skills at motor vehicle accidents. An old rambler was used as the ‘stunt car’, which was repeatedly set on fire. Superintendent Reeves led small groups through the exercise, showing the best ways to approach a burning vehicle accident and safety techniques to protect themselves and accident victims. The new Gunnary truck was used to give all members a test-run of its capabilities.

The day-long training exercise allowed all members to gain valuable experience on the new equipment and was especially beneficial to the junior members who attended. Junior members of the RFS are aged from 13-16 and are completely involved in all aspects of training.