Fire and Emergency Services Minister hands over new vehicle to Bribie Island firefighters

Bribie Island firefighters will be better equipped to save lives after receiving a $540,000 replacement firefighting vehicle, Fire and Emergency Services Craig Crawford said today (Tuesday).

Mr Crawford officially handed over the new Type 2 CAFS appliance to the Bribie Island Fire and Rescue Station.

During his visit to the Station, Mr Crawford outlined how the vehicle would be utilised by crews dealing with crash rescues, grass and wild fires and structural blazes.

“The Palaszczuk Government – and QFES – is delivering on its commitment to community safety, so it’s vital frontline firefighters and volunteers have access to state-of-the-art equipment,” Mr Crawford said.

“This vehicle will allow firefighters to have immediate access to new breathing apparatus/HAZMAT equipment and an improved level road crash rescue capability, potentially saving many lives.

“We know that in an emergency every minute counts, which is why this new vehicle has the capability of both technical rescue and command and control.”

Since July 2017, the Bribie Island Fire and Rescue Station has provided primary responses to 182 incidents, as well as providing back up to surrounding stations.

Mr Crawford said the appliance featured on-board water and foam supplies – meaning it can deliver water and safe Class A Foam at emergencies.

He said it was also fitted with Compressed Air Foam, that can be propelled further than water, sticking to surfaces to supress oxygen, fuel and heat to “deal with especially difficult situations”.

“Having these new capabilities is future proofing our fire and rescue capacity to keep pace with the growing needs of the community,” Mr Crawford said.

“QFES staff often put their lives at risk in service for our community and I am proud that we can support them in doing the great work they do.”