By JESSE GRAHAM
A NEW fire engine bought with community donations will give the Healesville CFA the ability to fight fires in tight spaces during the coming fire season.
The CFA purchased the new, $180,000 ultra-light truck with money donated by the community, through firefighters helping with parking at Rochford concerts, and events such as the Black Saturday Remembrance Cruise.
Healesville CFA Captain Graeme Bates said the new truck was smaller and more agile than the brigade’s other vehicles, and could get into areas where other trucks couldn’t reach.
“It’s a four-wheel-drive, so it can get to those remote spots where there’re lightning strikes in the bush,” he said.
“So we can get in, use minimal water, and get back out.”
First Lieutenant Ken Glenn agreed and said the truck could access many areas in Healesville that were currently difficult for full-sized trucks.
“There are quite a few areas up the Chum, up the Myers (Creek Road) and, needless to say, up the Spur … where it’s going to be an asset,” Mr Glenn said.
He said the ultra-light truck, which is a distinct yellow and chrome colour, had “upgraded the fire capacity of the brigade”, with a high-pressure pump, 1000-litre water storage and room for three firefighters.
The one hitch, Mr Glenn said, was that when people maintained their property in the lead-up to fire season, they did not maintain their driveways for easy CFA access.
“Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t look after their driveways and don’t realise these trucks aren’t smaller than what they used to be – they only get bigger and bigger,” Mr Glenn said. For a firetruck to enter a property, the driveway must be at least three metres wide and have a height clearance of three metres – the trucks are also eight metres long, making turning around difficult.
“If they want us to get into their property, they need to look after their driveways,” Mr Glenn said.
Captain Bates said the brigade had been well-supported by community groups and events, such as the annual Black Saturday Cruise, which donates thousands of dollars to the brigade each year.
Residents Stacey and Troy Kinsmore and Wendy Bennett organise the yearly event, drawing hundreds of cars and visitors to the Healesville Railway Station for entertainment and a moment of silence.
The next challenge, Mr Glenn said, was raising $600,000 for a new large truck in five years’ time.
