Firies welcome their updated wheels

Dunsborough Fire and Rescue volunteers will benefit from a new addition to the squad, with the keys to the latest Eurocargo fire engine handed over on Tuesday.

The first of its kind in WA, the vehicle will replace the oldest truck on the fleet and enable the team of 18 volunteers to respond more quickly to emergencies.

Lieutenant Phil McCormack said the vehicle was well set up and the squad was “very lucky” to have it.

“A vehicle like this could save us five to 10 minutes, whether that be in driving to a site or pumping the water, and that could easily be the difference between life and death,” he said.

Mr McCormack also said having up-to-date, modern equipment helped maintain volunteer retention, ensuring they were equipped with tools and vehicles they could rely on.

Area officer Andy Thompson said the vehicle was part of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services future fleet initiative, which updates career and volunteer brigades with modern, efficient equipment. “There are numerous fires our volunteers are sent to across the State, and now we’ve got a good reliable truck to get them there, while being fully equipped and functional back down here,” he said.