New $578,000 fire engine for Dee Why
17th August 2009Ministerial media release
A new $578,000 fire engine had been delivered to the NSW Fire Brigades' Dee Why Fire Station, Emergency Services Minister Steve Whan said today.
Mr Whan said the new engine would boost fire crews' rescue capabilities and fire and emergency protection for residents and businesses in Dee Why and across the Northern Beaches.
"This new fire engine will increase our firefighters' capacity to respond to fires, rescues, chemical spills and other emergencies," he said.
"It allows firefighters at Dee Why, together with their colleagues at Narrabeen and Manly, to maintain a first-class service to the community.
"The vehicle is fitted with advanced hydraulic and pneumatic-powered rescue equipment, such as cutters and spreaders, to free trapped victims from motor vehicle accidents, industrial accidents and other emergencies.
"Other specialist rescue equipment includes winches, airbags for lifting, power and chain saws and rope and harness equipment for vertical rescues from cliffs, buildings and other difficult high angle situations.
"It also has equipment for rescuing people in confined spaces and a roof-mounted floodlighting system, gas detectors and ladders."
Mr Whan said firefighters from the Dee Why station had responded to 1,686 emergency calls, including 51 rescues, in 2008/09.
The State Government's record $903 million 2009/10 emergency services budget included $589 million for the Fire Brigades, providing $18 million to continue updating its fleet with more than 20 new fire engines and specialised vehicles.
"This means that since 1995, the Government will have allocated more than
$243 million to provide almost 550 new and refurbished fire engines for communities around the State," Mr Whan said.
NSWFB Commissioner Greg Mullins said the new truck would help firefighters better protect the Northern Beaches' growing population, complementing resources at fire stations across the district.
The $589 million NSW Fire Brigades' 2009/10 budget includes:
- $18 million for more than 20 new fire engines and specialised vehicles
- $15 million for firefighting and counter terrorism plant and equipment
- $5 million for improved station facilities around the State and
- $3.6 million for information technology and station communications equipment.
New $578,000 fire engine for Dee Why (PDF 31KB)