New, upgraded fire truck for Orange

30 July 2018

Orange mayor Reg Kidd has welcomed the handover of a new half million dollar fire truck for Orange.

Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW Rick Colless visited the Orange Fire Station today to hand over the keys of a new $580,000 firefighting truck that will increase fire protection and emergency response in Orange.

The state-of-the-art fire engine, referred to as a ‘Class 3’ pumper, features a high-pressure pump capable of delivering 4,000 litres of water a minute for firefighting, as well as a front mounted winch designed to assist with rescue operations.

The new new truck includes improved remote-controlled lighting to illuminate a fire or rescue scene where crews are working

Pictured at left : Senior Firefighter Shane Brinkworth demonstrates the remote control unit.

Formerly crews had to climb onto the roof of the truck to erect lights. The new unit has high-performance LED lights which are mounted on an extendable pole. The height and direction of the lights can now be controlled from ground level.

The new truck has a upgraded system to blow smoke out of a building once the fire has been extinguished. Pockets of smoke can stay in a building for many hours once the fire is out.

In 2016/17, Orange Fire Station responded to 1,115 fire and emergency calls and took part in more than 226 activities designed to educate the local community about fire safety.

Mr Colless said the new truck would increase Fire and Rescue NSW’s (FRNSW) capability to deal with fires and emergency incidents.

“The Government is committed to providing our firefighters with the best equipment and technology available to support their vital work - protecting life and property,” Mr Colless said.

“This new truck will help put firefighters ahead of the game when it comes to managing all types of fires and emergency incidents.”

“It incorporates a foam system for fighting chemical, petrol and bush fires, and carries equipment for firefighting, chemical spills, rescues and medical emergencies.

Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said the new pumper is a great investment in the safety of the Orange community.

"This unit lets the brigade respond very,very quickly and have the right gear when they get there," Cr Reg Kidd said. "I thank the government very,very much."

PUMPER : Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW Rick Colless and Orange Mayor Reg Kidd take a close look at the new fire truck.

FRNSW Regional West Zone Commander, Brett Jackson said FRNSW continued to provide its firefighters with modern vehicles and the latest technology for protecting people, property and the environment.

“The FRNSW fleet is made up of more than 650 fire engines and rescue vehicles and our priority is to ensure firefighters have the best vehicles available to do their jobs safely and effectively,” he said.

“Orange firefighters do a tremendous job protecting the local community and this new truck will further improve the overall quality of our emergency response.”