THE Rural Fire Service brigade at Warialda has acquired some serious firepower, in the shape of a new tanker. The $440,000 vehicle comes equipped with a remote-controlled water cannon and is one of just 10 CAT 6 tankers currently in service across the state.
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"Using a joystick in the vehicle cab, an operator can direct a high-pressure stream of water at rates of up to 450 litres per minute at a target 60-70 metres away," Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said.
“The truck itself uses a powershift automatic, freeing the driver from changing gears so they can attend to other tasks. An infrared camera that can detect firefighters in low-visibility conditions is projected onto a screen inside the cabin, so the operator doesn't inadvertently blast a colleague."
Mr Marshall said the local RFS brigades were better equipped than at any time in their history to tackle bushfires and help save property and lives.
Of the 10 tankers in operation across NSW, six of them are in the Warialda, Narrabri and Moree areas.