SA Country Fire Service

Media release

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CFS secures a heavy duty bulk water carrier

29/10/2015

It is the biggest of its kind in the southern hemisphere and it's the newest addition to the firefighting fleet ready to assist the SA Country Fire Service (CFS) combat this Fire Danger Season.

The new 13,000 litre bulk water carrier utilises technology mixing compressed air foam with water to increase the output of water by up to seven times the usual capacity.

Director Operational Infrastructure and Logistics, Lee Watson, said this vehicle has been considerably funded by the local Blackwood community and surrounding areas and will be utilised to protect the community.

"This prototype combines technology which has been developed with the assistance of Moore Engineering in Murray Bridge, Tasmanian Fire Service, Mobile Energy and Global Fire Solutions," Mr Watson said.

"The bulk water carrier will tour around the state to give demonstrations to regional volunteers across the organisation to determine the viability of providing such resources into other regions."

It will be a valuable addition but Mr Watson said the greatest resource for the CFS are boots on the ground.

"We have more than 14,000 volunteers and each play a vital role in keeping the community safe all year round.

"The CFS is a community focussed organisation with 99 per cent of members being volunteers, we always look to implement the best technology to support but the real effort comes from those who give their time to volunteer."

The new bulk water carrier will be demonstrated today at 2pm with operational staff available for comment. Media are asked to confirm attendance before arrival.

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Media information
For media enquiries call the CFS Media Line on 08 8115 3531.

Government of South Australia