General News
5 October, 2022
CFA secures new $85k vehicles
EDENHOPE and Kaniva CFA groups in District 17 have recently been handed the keys to their new Field Command Vehicles (FCV) priced at $85,000 each. Edenhope and Kaniva Fire Stations are housing the FCV with both vehicles funded by government...
EDENHOPE and Kaniva CFA groups in District 17 have recently been handed the keys to their new Field Command Vehicles (FCV) priced at $85,000 each.
Edenhope and Kaniva Fire Stations are housing the FCV with both vehicles funded by government contribution through the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).
Kaniva Group Officer Rob Maddern said FCV are an essential vehicle, especially when responding to incidents on a Strike Team deployment.
“We can almost use this new FCV as a small command centre,” he said.
“The new design can carry more equipment including whiteboards, benches, a refrigerator, a workbench, and communication equipment like radios and phones for use on the fireground.
“The Kaniva Group consists of eight brigades. Having the FCV ready to go before fire season is a great improvement in our ability to serve the community.”
Edenhope group officer Peter Irving said he’s very grateful for receiving the keys to their vehicle and noted that it will be a useful response tool for the entire group.
“It’s a big step up from what they previously had, which was only really a people mover,” he said.
“This new FCV is fantastic with the way it is fitted out, we will be able to utilise all aspects of it.
“It will not only be able to move people, but it will also be a valuable asset on the fire ground.”
The FCVs will mainly be stationed at the Edenhope and Kaniva Fire Station but will be used across both Group’s response areas.
For Edenhope this includes Charam, Edenhope, Kadnook, Patyah and Ullswater brigades. While for Kaniva, this includes Dinyarrack, Kaniva, Lawloit, Leeor, Sandsmere, South Lillimur, Telopea Downs and Yearinga-Yarrock brigades.
“It’s a fantastic upgrade for not only both of our Groups but for the wider communities, especially as we approach fire season,” Mr Irving said.
“Our brigades can’t wait to try out the new vehicles.”