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That's why Taree firefighters have welcomed the addition of a class three hazmat pumper to the ranks.
Despite being older than the station's former pumper, it contains all the state-of-the-art bells and whistles needed to extinguish a fire, perform a rescue or clean up hazardous materials.
The pumper joined the Taree family in February and has been an asset ever since.
As Taree is considered a hazmat station and a respondent to hazardous material incidents across the Mid Coast, Commander Peter Willard said an upgraded truck was a no-brainer.
WATCH: Commander Peter Willard takes a tour of Taree Fire Station's hazmat pumper
"It's a very good truck," he said.
One key feature is breathing apparatus sets built into the truck.
Commander Willard highlighted the importance of the feature in responding to an emergency.
"It saves us valuable minutes when we arrive at a fire, the crew can already be into their sets and ready to go straight into the fire," Commander Willard said.
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The truck is decked out with a mobile data terminal. This equipment is used to accept oncoming calls, provide maps and navigation as well as locating water hydrants.
"It's an extremely valuable piece of equipment," Commander Willard said.
There's now more room in the cabin area as well as an increased capacity for firefighting, rescue, first aid and hazmat gear.
It saves us valuable minutes when we arrive at a fire, the crew can already be into their sets and ready to go straight into the fire.
- Peter Willard, Taree Fire Station Commander
It can also hold a larger capacity pump.
"This is able to act as a base pump at large incidents and relay water to other fire engines as well as acting independently as its own fire engine," Commander Willard said.
"Naturally it has lots of hose on it, equipment, nozzles and branches we put on the end."
Despite the size and weight, the truck will have no issues doing the speed limit on the highway.
It's believed the truck's first gig was in Balmain many years ago. It was also utilised at various fire stations before settling in Taree.
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