CFA unveils new ultra-heavy tankers as seasonal outlook reveals ‘higher-than-normal potential for fires’ in parts of Vic
24 August 2023
Published by: https://www.skynews.com.au
AUSTRALIA – The Country Fire Authority has unveiled its new ultra-heavy tankers which will play a crucial role in fighting blazes across regional Victoria.
The 24 tonne vehicles hold 10,000 litres of water which is more than double the capacity of heavy tankers and greater than some of the CFA’s water bombing aircraft.
They will predominantly be used across Victoria’s north-west, south-west and west to boost firefighting efforts in remote rural locations containing open grasslands.
More than 450 litres of water can be distributed per minute from the tankers, which also include a 200 litre A-class foam tank.
The first of the 29 ultra-heavy tankers will be deployed to a CFA brigade in Ballarat, with the second to follow at a brigade near Swan Hill.
“There is potential for the ultra-heavy tankers to be used in an urban environment,” CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said.
“But they are primarily designed for use in grass and general firefighting where there is limited access to reticulated water or large open water supplies.
“Earlier this year we saw how quickly and devastating grassfires can be due to the vegetation growth across Victoria.
“These new ultra-heavy tankers will help in those remote areas because of their increased capacity to carry water.”
The arrival of the ultra-heavy tankers following state government funding of $12.835 million comes amid the latest seasonal bushfire outlook.
Emergency Management Victoria said on Wednesday residents “could see an increased number of fires leading into summer”.
“A strong drying trend in far east and central Gippsland has resulted in higher-than-normal potential for fires including communities close to bushland, especially where vegetation was unburnt during the 2019-20 fires,” EMV said.
“It is also likely that bushfire season will start earlier, compared to the past two years, across much of central, western and northern Victoria.
“Remaining parts of the state are expected to see normal fire potential. However, hot, windy conditions can still pose a fire risk.
“Emergency services remain well prepared for emerging risks associated with the possibility of an earlier start to bushfire season and will continue to monitor conditions.”