New $560,000 fire engine for Eastwood
Published: 1st August 2011
Fire protection and rescue response in the northern district community will be enhanced with Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Commissioner Greg Mullins today announcing the delivery of a new $560,000 fire engine to Eastwood Fire Station.
"This new vehicle is part of a FRNSW fleet upgrade which has seen more than 35 new fire engines and specialised vehicles delivered to fire stations across NSW in the past 12 months," Commissioner Mullins said.
"The fire engine is specially equipped to carry state-of-the-art rescue equipment which is essential for Eastwood's role as the primary rescue service in the northern district, often being called to perform rescues in an area stretching from the Gladesville Bridge to the M2 Motorway."
Primary rescue fire stations respond to a range of emergencies in which a person is trapped, including road accidents.
The new Eastwood engine also has a pump that supplies up to 4000 litres of water a minute for firefighting operations and a foam system to fight chemical, petrol and bushfires.
Superintendent Steve Lyons, Zone Commander for Metropolitan West 2, said the new vehicle is fitted with a GPS navigation unit and an electronic message board on the back to warn motorists of emergency operations. The engine meets stringent emission standards.
"An upgrade such as this ensures that our firefighters have the best equipment and the latest technology to ensure the safety and protection of themselves and the people they protect," Superintendent Lyons said.
"Eastwood firefighters do a tremendous job protecting the community and this vehicle will ensure they have the best equipment and the latest technology for their work."
The Eastwood crew responded to more than 1878 fire and emergency calls in 2009/10 and took part in more than 314 community safety activities to educate the local community about fire safety.