Nilma North’s Big Fill Arrives

Nilma North Rural Fire Brigade has taken proud possession of its latest appliance - a 'Big Fill' custom built onto a Toyota Landcruiser Cab Chassis base, with the capacity to pump more than 2,000 litres of water per minute.

During the handover function on 13 April, Captain Ted Osler - on behalf of the Nilma North Fire Brigade - took the keys and responsibility for the new firefighting vehicle from Region 9 Operations Manager David Sherry.

Nilma North Captain Ted Osler accepts the keys of the new vehicle from Region 9 Operations Manager David Sherry

"If it wasn’t for the generous support of the many local organisations and the community, this project couldn’t have been achieved," Ted said, before thanking them all for their support.

"The addition of the Big Fill appliance into the district is an important step in providing the vital firefighting capabilities of the CFA," David said. "It will certainly be an asset to the community the Nilma North Fire Brigade supports."

The Big Fill was put through its paces at the handover, showing off its ability to fill several tankers at the same time. This capacity will reduce vital appliance downtime in the field because they will not have to seek water sources for replenishment.

The Brigade was assisted by the CSESP funding program and further support from federal, state and local government sources including CFA. The brigade also received generous donations from:

• the Gardiner Foundation;
• Bendigo Bank;
• Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal;
• the Andrew’s Foundation;
• Southern Cross Motorcycle Club; and
• the Fire Brigades from the West Gippsland Group.

(click on the image below to download a larger version - 391kb)