The new vehicles have been funded through the Victorian Government’s $126 million CFA Capability Funding package, announced in June 2020.
The fleet of new dual-cab vehicles includes 48 heavy tankers and two light tankers, all of which replace single-cab tankers and allow a full crew to sit within the vehicle cabin.
The first 20 stations to receive tankers by mid-2022 and the full roll-out will be completed in 2023.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said tankers were a vital part of 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 4000-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 l/min 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 last year with the final vehicles expected to be complete in September 2023.
Construction on two light tankers will start at a later date.