The Perth Hills have been given greater emergency services support with the official delivery today of a new $500,000 multi-purpose fire appliance to the Roleystone Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service (VFRS).
The Urban Pump Type 3 can assist with fires, road crashes and hazardous material emergencies and will be used by the Roleystone VFRS, which last year was allocated Road Crash Rescue capability.
A number of Roleystone volunteers have been trained to assist with road crashes – in addition to their firefighting capacity – and they work closely with the Armadale Career Fire and Rescue Service. Last financial year the VFRS brigade attended 10 road crashes.
The new appliance was designed in co-operation with volunteers who were part of a project advisory team.
The team worked closely with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services Operational Fleet Project on the design of new appliances for Western Australia’s fleet.
The new multipurpose appliance, which carries 1,200 litres of water, can also be deployed throughout the wider metro area or State if required.
The appliance was funded under the Emergency Services Levy.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Francis Logan:
“This is a great example of volunteers and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services working closely together to achieve the right balance in delivering new appliances.
“This new multi-purpose appliance will be a tremendous benefit for Roleystone and the wider Perth Hills area with its ability to respond to fires, road crashes and hazardous incidents.
“It is through the Emergency Services Levy that we can provide these important appliances that help keep communities safe and support our volunteers.
“I hope that the appliance doesn’t get too much use, but I am sure that if it does, it will meet the needs of the volunteers and broader community.”