Waterloo Bush Fire Brigade and Brunswick Junction VFRS receive new firefighting vehicles

Volunteer firefighters in two South West brigades will be better equipped for emergencies after receiving new firefighting vehicles.

The Waterloo Bush Fire Brigade gained a urban tanker last week, while the Brunswick Junction Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service is now equipped with a new light tanker.

The vehicles, worth about $550,000 and $250,000 respectively, were paid for through the emergency services levy.

Waterloo’s urban tanker has a capacity of 3000 litres and is designed to respond to high-intensity bushfires, while Brunswick’s light tanker has a capacity of 500 litres and is designed to be used in frontline, clean up or patrol jobs.

Both vehicles have been equipped with safety features to protect crews, including deluge systems, vehicle location technology and heat shields.

Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson handed over the keys of the urban tanker to the Waterloo brigade on April 28, while also presenting former brigade captain Laurence Hynes with a 60 year long service medal.

Mr Dawson said the region had been able to avoid a major level three bushfire last summer.

“That success is largely due to the hard work of our volunteer firefighters whose preparatory work and swift response times stopped smaller bushfires escalating into larger ones that destroy lives and properties,” he said.

Over the past three years, the Brunswick Junction VFRS has responded to more than 130 incidents, equal to 850 hours of community service.

Mr Dawson also congratulated Mr Hynes on his long service.

“His commitment to the Waterloo brigade knows no bounds and his leadership has been incredibly important in building an intergenerational family culture,” he said.

Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns described Mr Hynes as a “true local hero”.

“He’s still a highly committed volunteer who plays a big part in fundraising and maintenance activities which are vital to keeping Waterloo a vibrant and high-performing brigade,” she said.