Firefighters at Taree Fire Station are often placed in stressful situations in order to protect the community.

Now they have received some added protection of their own in the form of a new $450,000 hazardous materials (HAZMAT) tanker. 

The HAZMAT Mercedes Benz vehicle is one of three specialty vehicles on the Mid North Coast.

With its ability to deal with emergencies involving hazardous materials such as chemical spills, the vehicle can be called to anywhere in New South Wales. 

Fire and Rescue NSW Taree Fire Captain Paul Murray said the updated vehicle offers improved safety features including a water spray captain protection system. 

“If we get caught in a bush fire and we can’t get out, the system is turned on and water sprays around the vehicle,” said the captain. 

“Hopefully it’s a feature we will never have to use, but it’s essential to have.” 

The captain said, “fleet upgrades such as this ensure our fire and rescue officers have the best equipment and the latest technology to protect our local communities”. 

Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead officially unveiled the vehicle at Taree Fire Station. 

”When it comes to front line emergency services, you don’t get any more front line than standing face-to-face with fire, protecting lives and property,” Mr Bromhead said.

“This new top of the range tanker allows firefighters to access fires and other emergencies in difficult terrain. It has specialist equipment, including storage bins for hazardous materials, full encapsulated suits, specials tools for monitoring the atmosphere for chemicals, and much more.”