Equipment
Appliances
The brigade is equipped with two ESL funded Light Tanker appliances. These units each carry 650L and a crew of two or three. Based on Toyota Landcruiser cab-chassis, these appliances are well suited to off-road use. They are particularly useful for fast knockdown of running bush fires due to their manoeuvrability and go anywhere capability. They’re also useful for car fires and assisting at structural fires. Equipped with TAIT vhf radios, maps and an ICS kit, a Light Tanker and its crew is capable of performing Incident Control, Sector Commander or Ground Controller roles in addition to normal fire suppression. The brigade is expecting to replace its oldest light tanker with a one-four tanker before the start of 2010-2011 bush fire season.
Other brigades have various different appliances, include tankers ranging from 1000L to 7000L of both Urban and Rural varieties, Support Vehicles and Incident Control Vehicles, depending on the local requirements.
Austin Fire Truck
Sawyers Valley Brigade’s Austin fire truck is about to have a makeover. Thanks to a kind benefactor the old truck is about to be rejuvenated – we’ll keep you posted.
We’re hoping to be able to put our old 'X-ray Sierra' fire tanker back into service some 20 years or so after she went into retirement; but this time instead of fighting fires her main role will be the promotion of the volunteer bush fire service.
Station Equipment
As well as the fire fighting appliances, Sawyers Valley brigade has equipment and resources at the station to facilitate running major operations and incidents. These facilities include two base station radios with battery backup, a 8KVA generator capable of powering the entire station in the event of a power outage, battery powered emergency lighting, ADSL Internet with cabled and wireless network access, printing and photo-coping facilities, a TV and DVD player, white boards and large scale maps. The station is located next to Sawyers Valley Oval, providing a large open space suitable for helicopter operations as well as normal vehicle parking.
Personal Equipment
Brigade members are provided with standard issue, bush fire rate, personal protective equipment (PPE). This consists of fire retardant (Proban) treated turn-out coat and pants, fire rated steel-capped boots, fire rated gloves, goggles and a fire rated helmet. The brigade is investigating the possibility of supplementing this with a two stage, particle and smoke, air filter face mask. It is also recommended members carry a pocket knife, matches, pen and note pad, a compass and drinking water.