South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) brigades are receiving a significant boost to their firefighting and rescue capabilities. As part of a $5.2 million investment, the CFS is rolling out ten new 24P 4WD fire tanker trucks. This move replaces decades-old equipment and improves volunteer safety and operational efficiency for the upcoming bushfire season.
A Major Upgrade for CFS
The 24P trucks, each valued at $520,000, can carry up to 2,000 litres of water. These new vehicles will provide vital firefighting resources to the brigades across the state. The last of the older single-cab Hino trucks, which had been in use for over 30 years, will be retired by Christmas. Mount Damper CFS, located on the Eyre Peninsula, will be the final brigade to receive its replacement.
CFS Chief Officer Brett Loughlin hailed the new trucks as a “game-changer” for volunteers. “The new trucks provide our volunteers enhanced tools and equipment needed to perform life-saving interventions quickly and safely,” he said.
The trucks come equipped with modern safety systems, such as radiant heat shields, cabin deluge systems, multiple airbags, in-cab pump controls, and in-cab breathing. These additions will ensure that volunteers have the best possible protection during emergencies.
Expansion of CFS Fleet
The new trucks are just part of a wider fleet upgrade. Earlier this year, the CFS delivered over 12 new 34P trucks to 13 CFS brigades. These vehicles, designed for urban firefighting and rescue operations, further enhance the CFS’s ability to respond to urban incidents effectively. The arrival of the new 24P trucks marks the next phase of the fleet upgrade.
CFS Manager Urban and Technical Operations, Commander Tim McNeilly, emphasised the importance of these upgrades. “The CFS is the largest provider of road crash rescue services in SA, annually attending more than 2,000 incidents, and these new trucks are a testament to the service’s ongoing commitment to innovation and safety,” said Commander McNeilly.
Boosting Response Capabilities
The first of the new 24P trucks arrived at Mannum last week, and several other brigades, including Parndana, Eudunda, and Williamstown, will receive their trucks by the end of March 2025. The CFS’ State Training Centre at Brukunga has also received a new truck. This ensures that members can get hands-on experience in a controlled environment before they are deployed during emergencies.
The new vehicles will greatly improve response capabilities for CFS volunteers. CFS Williamstown Brigade Captain Steve Elliott acknowledged the impact these new trucks would have on his brigade. “This is an important asset for our brigade and our community,” he said. “It vastly improves our response capabilities and highlights to the residents of Williamstown and surrounding areas that we are well kitted out to support them during significant emergency situations.”
Ongoing Commitment to Volunteer Safety
The $5.2 million investment in these new trucks underscores the CFS’s dedication to volunteer safety and service effectiveness. The introduction of modern equipment, such as battery-operated power tools, positive pressure ventilation fans, and portable ground monitors, ensures that CFS personnel have everything they need during emergency situations. These measures are all part of the generational change marking the phasing out of the old Hino trucks, which have been a staple of CFS operations for decades.
Dan Cregan, the State Minister for Emergency Services, described the upgrade as a generational change. “This is a generational change driven by volunteer safety for the bushfire season,” he said. “Decades-old trucks have been upgraded and brand new appliances continue to be rolled out across our regions. Improved technology on board the CFS fleet will ensure those on the frontline are better equipped to serve their communities.”
Strengthening Community Support
In addition to the new trucks, the CFS has over 800 firefighting vehicles available for this fire season. These include the new 24Ps, 34Ps, Quick Response Vehicles, Urban Pumpers, and Bulk Water Carriers. The service also boasts more than 30 firefighting aircraft. The expansion of the Alert SA app into a multi-hazard platform ensures better communication and safety measures for South Australians.
The CFS is not only responding to bushfires but is also the largest provider of road crash rescue services in the state. The new trucks will play a vital role in this capacity, providing CFS volunteers with the tools and equipment necessary to manage emergencies effectively and safely.
Conclusion
The new fleet of 24P and 34P trucks represents a significant advancement in the capabilities of the South Australian Country Fire Service. With these new vehicles, the CFS will be better equipped to protect communities, save lives, and tackle emergencies swiftly. As CFS Chief Officer Brett Loughlin aptly put it, the trucks are “a game-changer” for the dedicated volunteers on the ground. They will provide CFS volunteers with enhanced tools and equipment to perform life-saving interventions during crucial moments, ensuring that South Australians are safe during emergencies.