CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said tankers were a vital part of the CFA’s fleet, with more than 1800 across the state.
“These new tankers are state-of-the-art firefighting vehicles,” Mr Heffernan said.
“The heavy tankers feature a 15-tonne crew-cab chassis with a 4000-litre water tank, while their 4x4 capability and automatic transmission will help crews access fires in difficult terrain.
“They also include features such as electronic monitors and electric rewind hose reels, as well as using a higher percentage of recyclable build materials.”
The heavy tankers also have a 1200 l/minute diesel engine-driven firefighting pump, crew/vehicle roll-over and full equipment stowage cache.
Thanks to its multi-layered crew protection system, the tankers will be able to withstand fire temperatures of more than 600°C during burn-overs.
Other features of the new tankers include an anti-lock braking system and higher levels of emissions controls.
The new dual-cab heavy tankers will progressively replace existing single-cab heavy tankers.
The first tankers will begin being delivered to brigades for commissioning and training as soon as next month and are all expected to be on the road by mid-year, with the full new fleet to be operational in 2023.
Other brigades in the region receiving heavy tankers in the initial rollout are Wallan and Mansfield.
The Victorian Government invested $23 million to deliver 48 new heavy tankers and two new light tankers for the CFA.
This was part of a $126 million investment in the CFA to make sure volunteers have access to the best training, facilities and equipment.
The full package, which is being rolled out across five years, delivers new training, facilities and appliances for volunteer firefighters across the state.
“With its dual-cab features and life-saving crew protection systems, these new CFA tankers will ensure our volunteer firefighters have the latest equipment and best protection to do their vital work.” Victorian Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes said.
“Victoria is one of the most fire-prone areas in the world and these new tankers will help support communities and firefighters stay safe across the state for many years to come.”
The heavy tankers are being built by Sunshine North manufacturer R.A Bell & Co.
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