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With the
2009/10 Victorian bushfire season officially declared last week, the Country
Fire Authority (CFA) is ready for action with its new Lake Eildon-based Marine
Fire Rescue vessel.
Powered by
twin Honda BF225 four-stroke outboards, the customised 9m Stabicraft aluminium
vessel has full fire-fighting capabilities thanks to a through-hull water
pick-up system capable of pumping 600L of water per minute.
CFA project
officer David Goldfinch said the new vessel would play a vital role in the
Eildon region this summer, which was devastated during the Black Saturday
bushfires earlier this year.
"In
addition to fighting fires on the water's edge or from the water itself, the vessel
will also support on-land operations in the area," Mr Goldfinch said.
"The vessel
can transport firefighters to areas inaccessible by road, has the ability to go
right up against the shore to deploy crew quickly via a folding bow ramp, and
can also operate as a reliable rescue vessel."
With a fuel
capacity of 300L and the ability to carry up to six people, the powerful V6
Honda engines deliver an approximate top speed of 75km/h, which will allow a
response team to attend incidents as soon as they're identified.
"In trial
runs with the boat fully-loaded with fuel, fire-fighting equipment and with
four people onboard, the vessel's performance was 120 per cent better than we'd
expected," Mr Goldfinch said.
"The CFA is
confident the Eildon region will be very well served with the latest addition
to its arsenal... you can never have enough tools in the fight against
bushfires."
Based at
Eildon Boat Club, the CFA's new Marine Fire Rescue vessel would not have been
possible with the assistance of Marine Safety Victoria, Honda Australia, MY
Marine and various other organisations.
Further information: Honda Australia, Customer Relations – (03) 9270 1348 or visit: www.honda.com.au
(6 November 2009)
Incorporating unique attributes such as BLAST, ECOmo and
VTEC, along with a five-year warranty, Honda's technologically-advanced
four-stroke outboard engines run quieter, offer greater fuel economy, burn
cleaner and are just plain better for the environment... at the same time
delivering superior power and unmatched reliability. Honda – four-strokes of
genius.
Pictured: Powered by twin Honda BF225 four-stroke outboards, the CFA's new Marine Fire Rescue vessel has an approximate top speed of 75km/h, which will allow a
response team to attend incidents as soon as they're identified.
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