New ultralight tanker boosts Tarwin Lower CFA ahead of challenging fire season
Now is the time to clean up your blocks and update your fire plan according to the Tarwin Lower and District Fire Brigade which has a new CFA ultralight tanker designed for rapid response and grassfire suppression in the fire season ahead.
THE Tarwin Lower and District Fire Brigade is heading into the fire season equipped with a new CFA ultralight tanker, described as a compact, agile frontline firefighting vehicle designed for rapid response and grassfire suppression.
The state-of-the-art vehicle which carries a 550-litre water tank and a diesel-powered pump capable of dispensing 500 litres per minute is used for advanced firefighting and blacking out tasks.
The ultralight includes a permanently connected suction hose, a 30-metre live hose reel with electric rewind, and a Class A compressed air foam system (CAFS). Crew safety is heavily prioritised with an external foam deluge/spray system, radiant heat shield curtains, and internal cabin stowage for fire blankets. The ultralight also offers redesigned hinge-up locker doors, upgraded LED lighting, and a chainsaw workbench.
With a dedicated team of volunteers Tarwin Lower and District Captain Mick Moore is rightly proud of his firefighting crew but warned that community preparation is vital.
“The season depends on what this year is going to give with El Nino,” Captain Moore said. “We’re getting ready now because it looks like it will be an early season.”
Moore said nearby tourist hotspots like Venus Bay present specific local challenges.
“Summer is a worrying period for the Tarwin Lower and District CFA with large numbers of holidaymakers and a single access road. Venus Bay is always a problem with the population multiplying from 1,500 to 10,000 over January plus day trippers.”
To combat this seasonal population explosion Captain Moore regularly conducts community engagement sessions around the district. “We’ll be doing our fire ready meetings at Venus Bay after New Year in January at Jupiter Park and we’ll be going into the community centre between 10am and midday on the first three Wednesdays of December, and there will be a marquee at the Tarwin Lower Festival.”
“We open the fire station at Walkerville on the first Friday of every month over summer to share our experience and help local residents with their fire plans. Last year we averaged 25 people at Walkerville with a peak of 60 in January.”
Ultimately local brigades rely on local residents doing their part.
“Now is the time to clean up your blocks and update your fire plan because everyone has a different plan depending on whether you have children or pets in your home.”
“Make sure you have an evacuation kit with first aid items, prescription medications, legal documents, battery radio and phone charger and some basic food and toiletry items and install the Vic Emergency App on your mobile phone.”
The Vic Emergency app is available from the App Store or Google Play, and Vic Emergency can be found on Facebook or by contacting the Vic Emergency hotline on 1800 226 226, or by going online to emergency.vic.gov.au/respond
“Call into the fire station at Tarwin Lower on a Sunday morning and say hello,” said Mick.
“If you'd like to chat about fire preparedness, volunteering with us, or any other fire related questions come along and meet your captain and crew of the Tarwin Lower and District Brigade on River Drive any Sunday between 9am and 12 noon.”
The Walkerville satellite station is also open station on the first Friday of the month from November to March from 6pm to 7pm. “Bring a plate,” said Captain Moore.
