STONEVILLE, Australia — A new protection system is being installed in wildland fire trucks to protect firefighters if they become trapped by fire.
Community News reported that the $15.4 million crew protection project includes external water deluge systems, in-cab air breathing systems and protection for equipment such as vehicle wiring, water and fuel lines.
The call to action comes after the devastating impact of brushfires in Western Australia.
“These new systems are part of an ongoing crew protection project that’s providing a safer working environment for volunteer and career firefighters,” Emergency Services Minister Joe Francis said.
The system is being installed in about 1,000 fire and EMS firefighting vehicles, with crews operating in high-risk brushfire areas taking priority. More than 3,700 burnover blankets have been distributed and 833 firefighting appliances fitted with radiant heat shields, according to the report.
The final phase of the project will begin next year with the installation of an advanced vehicle locating system.