Pump up for fire effort

By Tania Martin
SASSAFRAS-Ferny Creek fire brigade members are now ready to face whatever Mother Nature has to throw at them this fire season.
This comes as Monbulk MP James Merlino handed over the keys to two new trucks, including a 2000-litre tanker and a light pumper.
The trucks cost more than $500,000 and are the latest in firefighting technology.
Captain John Schauble said the brigade now had one of the most modern fleets in the state.
The unit’s 3000-litre tanker is just two years old and with the new trucks the brigade is more than ready to face this summer.
“We are very lucky at this point in our history and we know it,” he said.
“But given what the community asks of its volunteers I think the very least we can expect in return is that the Victorian community provides us with the very best in vehicles and equipment.”
The new light pumper is the first of a new design built for the CFA to serve small townships such as Sassafras.
Mr Schauble said it would be used for structure fires and features a high capacity pump, hoses, breathing apparatus, lighting and other equipment.
He said the original vehicle, which the new light tanker was modelled on, was designed and built by the Sassafras-Ferny Creek brigade more than 20 years ago.
The medium tanker will be used as a bushfire vehicle and has the latest in crew safety measures, including protection sprays.
It’s also equipped with in-line foam and a range of basic firefighting equipment.
“Fire trucks are just one part of the equation,” Mr Schauble said.
Mr Merlino said the new trucks would boost the emergency response to the region ahead of the bushfire season.