THE Country Fire Authority (CFA) has announced 50 new tankers to be rolled out across Victoria in a boost that ensures volunteers are well equipped to protect their communities.

The new vehicles were funded through the State Government’s $126m CFA Capability Funding package, announced in June 2020.

The fleet of new dual-cab vehicles includes 48 heavy tankers and two light tankers, which replace single-cab tankers and will allow a full crew to sit within the vehicle cabin.

The first 20 stations to receive tankers by mid-2022 include Dunkeld and Penshurst, with a full roll out to be completed in 2023.

CFA chief officer, Jason Heffernan said tankers were a vital part of the CFA’s fleet, with more than 1800 across the state.

“These new tankers are state-of-the-art firefighting vehicles,” Mr Heffernan said.

“The heavy tankers feature a 15-tonne crew-cab chassis with a 4,000-litre water tank, while their 4x4 capability and automatic transmission will help crews access fires in difficult terrain.

“They also include features such as electronic monitors and electric rewind hose reels, as well as using a higher percentage of recyclable build materials.”

The heavy tankers also have a 1200 litres per minute diesel engine-driven fire-fighting pump, crew/vehicle roll over and burn-over protection, and full equipment stowage cache.

Manufacturing on the 48 heavy tankers began in September 2021 at Sunshine North manufacturer R.A Bell & Co., with the final vehicles expected to be complete in September 2023.

Construction on the two light tankers will commence at a later date.