With the weather heating up, a new addition to Sunny Corner - Meadow Flat Rural Fire Service could not have come at a better time.
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The volunteers were excited to welcome a new Category 9 vehicle to their brigade.
The vehicle is a 4x4 Toyota Landcruiser with a rooftop emergency sprinkler system, superior heat resistant materials, advanced communications systems, plus all necessary pumps, hoses and a 600L water tank.
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole handed over the keys to the vehicle to deputy captain Patrick Sinclair who was very happy with its cutting edge, fire-fighting capabilities.
Mr Sinclair said his crew now had a fast response vehicle in their fleet.
"When it comes to getting to site quickly, they don't come any better than this new tanker," he said.
"It has all the latest bells and whistles on it. Needless to say our crew's pretty happy because it makes their life safer and increases their fire-fighting capabilities.
"This striker will act as our first responder vehicle, and gets to site first to setup communications and a game plan on how to approach a fire," he said.
Mr Sinclair said the new tanker had arrived at the ideal time.
"The hot weather in 2021 has put everyone on notice that the fire season has arrived," he said.
"I urge everyone to be prepared for bushfires and think about any outdoor activity they may be undertaking.
"So, be really careful if you are welding, slashing or even driving across a paddock... in fact, be alert if you are undertaking any outdoor activity."