Darling Range Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade launch new vehicle

The Shire of Mundaring took delivery of the incident control vehicle (ICV) for Darling Range Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade about two years ago.

Brigade president Robert Atkins said because the vehicle was too large for the existing shed, it had to be housed in the shire works depot until the new shed was built at the Mundaring Emergency Service Centre.

“The new ICV takes the brigade’s operations to a new level of a modern operating facility and equipment, replacing the faithful old Nissan that served the brigade well for so many years.”

Among the guests for the opening will be Department of Fire and Emergency Services district officer Craig Garrett and ward councillors.

Mr Atkins said the ICV provided important support to the bushfire management team. “It’s able to provide a radio link to firefighters on the fire ground and back to the DFES command centre in Cockburn.”

The vehicle sends maps and other information for managing a fire to the management team.

“These facilities are vital to ensuring the efficient management of a fire and above all the safety of firefighters,” Mr Atkins said.

The ICV also responds to requests from firefighters and records the arrival of crews and appliances, and when they are relieved, as part of managing safety and welfare.

Mr Atkins said the Darling Range Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade had supported firefighters for more than 20 years and originally operated from a coaster bus fitted out by volunteers with local funds.