NSW government to trial next-generation firefighting truck after floods, bushfires

The next generation of firefighting vehicles will be put to the test when the bushfire danger period kicks off in one Australian state.

The next generation of firefighting vehicles will be put to the test when the bushfire danger period kicks off in NSW after years marred by devastating floods and bushfires.

In a first for NSW, the Rural Fire Service has taken possession of six ultra-large Tatra trucks, which will be deployed when the northern danger period starts on August 1.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said the firefighting trucks, which are being tested as part of the state government’s next-generation fleet trials, were “more than just vehicles”.

“They’re vital tools protecting lives, supporting our firefighters and strengthening community safety across NSW,” Mr Minns said.

“We are providing our firefighters and the communities they protect with the best possible equipment and technology.”

Some 290 new and refurbished firefighting vehicles have been delivered to NSW RFS brigades across the state over the past year. Picture: Supplied

Mr Minns said it was vital that emergency volunteers had new equipment, with scores having come out in recent months to assist after flooding on the NSW Mid-North Coast.

Five people were killed during the record-breaking floods that smashed areas such as Taree, coming just a few years after floods devastated parts of nearby Lismore.

At the same time, the government is working to implement recommendations from the NSW Bushfire Inquiry, which probed learnings from the 2019-20 season.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said the new trucks were ‘vital tools protecting lives’. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

The state government says 290 new and refurbished have been deployed to NSW RFS brigades across the state, in addition to the six new Tatra vehicles.

Coming in at a whopping 26 tonnes, the Tatra trucks are made in Czechia and can carrying nearly 9000 litres, making them the largest trucks in the fleet.

Boasting the ability for tyres to inflate and delate, the Tatra trucks are made by a military specialised manufacturer and come in 4x4 and 6x6 models.

Final fit-outs on the Tatra trucks will be completed domestically, with the first of the vehicles to be tested during the upcoming bushfire season.

The first Tatra truck will be deployed as part of the next-generation trial this year. Picture: Supplied

NSW RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin said the rollout of the Tatra trucks formed part of a long-term program to “future-proof “ the fleet.

“These vehicles feature the latest in crew protection systems, improved safety design and communications equipment, helping our crews to operate in the toughest conditions,” he said.

“This work will help make sure our volunteers will come home safely after fighting bushfires across the state.”

Several new vehicles, excluding Tatra trucks, were deployed during the recent flood crisis, with the RFS also preparing a major move of its home base to Marsden Park.

Originally published as NSW government to trial next-generation firefighting truck after floods, bushfires