Firefighters across Perth's south east now have 12,000 litres of water at their fingertips this bushfire season with the delivery of a first-of-its-kind 12.2 water carrier.
The 12,000 litre, two-wheel drive water carrier, also knowns as a 12.2, will provide vital support to frontline firefighters and was officially presented to the Mundijong Bush Fire Brigade (BFB) today by Emergency Services Minster Francis Logan.
The brand new 12.2 can respond to bush and structural fires and will boost the Brigade's ability to combat fires if there is no steady supply of scheme water.
It replaces Mundijong BFB's current 7,000 litre carrier, which has served the community for 27 years.
The appliance is also fitted with a 7,500 litre collapsible tank and a portable pump giving firefighters access to water while the carrier leaves the incident ground to refill its tank.
The Mundijong BFB and Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale worked with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) to refine the design of the water carrier based on their local needs and experiences.
Funded by the Emergency Services Levy at a cost of $530,000, the 12.2 is the first of its kind to be delivered by DFES' Operational Fleet Project.
The Operational Fleet Project has consulted volunteers and stakeholders to deliver fit-for-purpose vehicles for the State's 26,000 emergency services volunteers.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Francis Logan:
"This has been a collaborative effort with volunteers, local government and DFES working together to design and deliver the best possible outcome.
"This kind of collaboration demonstrates how our emergency services, DFES and local governments can work together to use the Emergency Services Levy to the benefit of wider communities."
Minister's office - 6552 6300
