RURAL firefighters say their new trucks will put lives at risk.
The firies said the Rural Fire Service Queensland Medium Attack 2024 Isuzu is too big to fit certain fire trails, is too difficult to drive, and has an insufficient cooling system.
They say the smaller water tank and high-pressure pump on the trucks handle just 1,200 litres which runs out in 90 seconds – it is 800 litres smaller than the old tank.
Firefighters are anxious that the high-pressure pump will not work effectively and that a safety override on the gearbox locks up the truck, which might hamper quick escapes during a bushfire.
Other complaints are that the batteries in the truck do not hold a charge and that the truck drives improperly on hills.
Queensland Fire Department (QFD) has 83 of the vehicles on contract, and 15 have gone into service so far since July.
QFD has now commissioned a review of the RFSQ fleet and devised a framework for future designs.
The vehicles are part of a $19.5 million investment into the rural service in the 2024-25 financial year.
A QFD spokesman said the department was “committed to providing brigades with appliances that allow volunteer members to do their job safely and effectively”.
“All new and replacement RFSQ appliances meet necessary standards for operational response and can be driven off-road; the vehicle manufacturer re-released the user manual in June 2024 to reinforce this, with updated manuals provided to affected brigades,” the spokesman said.
“The pumps and tanks installed on the new medium appliances were selected for their suitability and effectiveness in a rural firefighting environment and are designed to be operated accordingly.
“The new appliances are now fitted with both a high-volume pump and a normal pressure pump.
“Previous appliances were fitted with a 1,500-litre tank however this has been reduced to 1,200 litres to cater for the installation of crew deluge systems (safety) and increased chassis weights.
“Some of the appliances do not have a rear cooling capability, which are being retrofitted where appropriate.
“Following feedback from volunteer members, a comprehensive fleet review was commissioned in June 2024 to ensure all RFSQ firefighting appliances are fit-for-purpose and are built and delivered to brigades as quickly as possible.
“This review will result in a detailed RFSQ Fleet Strategy which will outline a pathway to audit the existing RFSQ fleet, develop a framework for standard fleet designs and provide guidance on a detailed procurement program.
“This review will result in a detailed RFSQ Fleet Strategy which will outline a pathway to audit the existing RFSQ fleet, develop a framework for standard fleet designs and provide guidance on a detailed procurement program.
“All new and replacement RFSQ appliances meet necessary standards for operational response and can be driven off-road.”
