Blaze response boost

SEVERAL Beechworth CFA Rural Fire Brigade members undertook vital training to use a new water pump trailer at Lake Sambell on Monday. The pump means faster efficient water fills to trucks from lakes and dams in times of bushfires. Built by the Beechworth Correctional Centre’s Industries’ metal fabrication team, the project has been a partnership between the centre, Beechworth Fire Brigade and Billson's Brewery. A Department of Justice and Community Safety spokesperson said the team had worked hard to finish the trailer ahead of the 2024 bushfire season, allowing fire trucks to be filled with water in under four minutes. The trailer will replace small and slow portable pumps. Key features of the trailer include twin insulated food and drink coolers, a roof-mounted solar panel, an electronic control panel with USB charging points to charge phones and radios and LED lights for night responses. Beechworth Rural Fire Brigade captain Bruce Forrest said the Correctional Centre’s team worked on the project from start to finish before an official handover at the Correctional Centre last week with a demonstration of the trailer’s capabilities. “Today we've been able to take brigade members through every equipment feature on the trailer so it can be used operationally across the whole district,” he said. “The trailer can be operated by any trained member of the brigade.” Captain Forrest said the trailer was also set up with a shade awning on one side for the volunteer operator. “If another brigade pulls up, we can fill up their tank within the four minutes and provide them with refreshments while waiting," he said. "The trailer not only adds value to Beechworth’s CFA Rural Fire Brigade but across the district because it will be used at many different fires.” Captain Forrest said with new trucks the brigade needed a bigger quick-fill pump to fill them in a fire. “Trailer building started around October last year and it’s an amazing piece of equipment,” he said. “Three fire brigade members with around 120 years of combined experience drew up a rough plan and the Correctional Centre team helped with the design. "The Correctional Centre team turned the project into fruition in under three months. " Captain Forrest said the vehicle is high quality, very functional, works well and is believed to be the first water pump trailer built by the metal fabrication team. The Department of Justice and Community Safety spokesperson said staff worked with people in custody to help them build skills through training, education, employment and community reintegration programs. ”This ensures they have the best chance of leading safe and productive lives when they return to the community,” the spokesperson said.

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