EQUIPMENT ranging from portable fridges to air-conditioning and GPS have been provided to NSW Rural Fire Service brigades in the New England, Northern Tablelands and Tamworth areas to help keep them cool as they face this summer’s fire season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This year, the NSW Rural Fire Service Association (RFSA) has allocated grants of more than $1.3 million statewide to Rural Fire Brigades, support groups and districts for purposes not directly covered by government or council funding.
Funding will be used for an air-conditioner and solar window tinting on the New England communications bus.
“This will allow the mobile communications headquarters to get closer to the fire ground in conditions that are bearable,” RFSA Division 9 chairman Ron Bridge said.
“The communications people often work 12 hours at a time, so these improvements to the bus will keep them more alert during their shift.”
There is also funding for portable fridges and eskies for the Armidale airbase and rural fire brigades at Borah, Emmaville and Nullamanna.
GPS touring units are being provided to the Reddestone, Ashford, Diggings, Leefield-Mt Mackenzie and New England Chainsaw Rural Fire Brigades.
“The GPS are vitally important to ensure volunteers are in the right location and relay information back to the fire control centre,” Mr Bridge said.
