Three new additions to Victoria’s alpine firefighting fleet are ready to hit the slopes of the state’s most popular ski resorts this weekend, providing greater tools for local firefighters to help keep people safe.
Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria Danielle Green joined CFA Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook today at Mt Hotham Fire Station to unveil the new Alpine Tracked Pumpers for Falls Creek, Mt Buller and Mt Hotham-Dinner Plain fire brigades.
The state-of the-art pumpers, worth more than $2 million, are specifically designed to improve the way firefighters work to fight fires in snow and icy conditions at ski resorts.
Indoor fires at ski resorts can occur during peak snow season, and firefighters can encounter unique challenges using heavy vehicles to access snowy roads and fire hoses in freezing temperatures.
Designed by engineers with the help of local brigade volunteers, the new pumpers weigh less than other alpine firefighting appliances and can be used year-round.
Local firefighting volunteers from the alpine brigades and project team members were involved in testing the appliances at multiple locations throughout the vehicles’ build program.
Key features of the new vehicles include an enhanced cab-chassis, footprint track design and improved equipment ergonomics, including a new design that allows fire hoses to be carried and used more easily in snow and ice.
During bushfire season, the vehicles can be used for multiple purposes including firefighting and providing water refill services for tankers.
Funding for the pumpers has come from the Andrews Labor Government’s $11 million investment in specialist vehicles under the Fire Services Statement.
As stated by Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria Danielle Green
“These new pumpers are purpose-built for alpine environments year-round, and I’m proud this Labor Government is delivering these fantastic resources for the Mt Hotham-Dinner Plain, Mt Buller and Falls Creek communities.”
“Launching these brand-new alpine firefighting pumpers ahead of the busy snow season will ensure that the brigades have what they need to keep people safe in alpine areas and resorts over the winter months and beyond.”
