Two new firetrucks arrive as ACT Fire and Rescue calls for recruits

Two new ACT Fire and Rescue trucks have arrived in Canberra. Photo: Supplied.

Two new fire trucks for ACT Fire and Rescue (ACTFR), which feature thermal cameras and wheelchair accessible ramps, have arrived in Canberra.

The two specialised vehicles include an urban pumper with a 25m ladder – which will be named after former ACTFR chief officer Mark Brown – and a large aerial pumper with a platform that can extend to 42m.

Acting ACTFR chief officer Chris Zeitlhofer said the new vehicles will help firefighters provide a 24-hour rapid response to the community.

“Our firefighters are looking forward to continuing their training with the new vehicles,” he said.

The two trucks have been delivered from funding allocated in the 2018-2019 ACT Budget, with the new aerial pumper being promised at the last election.

“We’re providing our firefighters access to safe, reliable, purpose-made equipment for responding to structure fires and emergencies as more Canberrans choose to live and work in multistorey buildings,” said ACT Minister for Police and Emergency Services Mick Gentleman.

Canberrans will also have the opportunity to get involved with ACTFR after a recruitment round for the service opened on 31 August.

Mr Zeitlhofer said applicants should be motivated and community-minded individuals who are looking for a unique challenge.

The larger new ACT Fire and Rescue aerial pumper truck can reach a height of 42m. Photo: Supplied.

The arrival of the two new pumpers comes two weeks after the ACT Government announced a new fire and ambulance station will be constructed in Acton, which will be completed in the 2022-2023 financial year.

The $45 million station is set to house two paramedic crews and two fire and rescue crews.

The crews will primarily service the Canberra city and inner north, although they will be able to respond and provide backup to surrounding regions because of the station’s access to major arterial roads.

The announcement comes more than two months after the ACT Government signed a historic agreement with the ACT United Firefighters Union to recruit 99 firefighters by 2024, increasing the current force of 339 firefighters by 29 per cent to 438.

For more information on requirements and to apply, visit here.