Watered down: Echuca Village firefighters Keith Couchman, Captain Darryl Phillips and David Maddison have a new water tanker truck to aid in fire protection.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
The Echuca Village Fire Brigade has received an extra water tanker truck to help with relief efforts during the high-fire risk period.
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“The head station up in Kerang have decided that with the bad weather (Wednesday) and the ongoing bad weather until Easter, they’ve given us a spare tanker,” Echuca Village fire captain Darryl Phillips said.
“It boosts our capability to turn out and look after our community.”
Mr Phillips said the water tanker will significantly help their capacity to respond and effectively extinguish any fires in the district.
“It also gives us an extra 3200 litres of water for any jobs in our area,” he said.
The truck will relieve the pressure felt by the firefighters when leaving the area, as only having one tanker meant the community was vulnerable in their absence.
“With that other truck here, we will have a crew looking after the Echuca Village area and the surrounding towns, which is fantastic for us when we go away; we’re not worried about what will happen back in Echuca Village,” Mr Phillips said.
At the Echuca Village Fire Station, they’re thin on the ground with personnel, even with the new tanker. The brigade is seeking people to join their ranks.
Brand spanking: Echuca Village Fire Brigade’s new water tanker truck.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
“We’re always looking for new members,” Mr Phillips said.
“Whether someone can come out to two or 100 fires a year, I call that giving 100 per cent. So, whatever you can offer would be much appreciated,” he said.
With the hot weather continuing from February into March, Mr Phillips hopes that people are still vigilant with their burning off practices and have action plans in place in the event of a fire.
“I’d be hoping that people have already got their fire plans in place and what they are going to do, but if not, make a fire plan as soon as possible,” he said.
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