The Colville Rural Fire Force will soon take delivery of a custom-built Isuzu D-Max 4×4 double cab Smokechaser fire appliance.
Principal Rural Fire Officer for Thames Valley Paul Shaw says the Smokechaser has been specifically designed to carry the rural fire equipment needed by its volunteer forces.
The fire ‘pickup’ unit to be added to the Isuzu, is machined out of engineering grade heat-resistant plastic and was designed by Shaw and the engineers at Aviation Fire Services.
“Our team measured and weighed all the equipment needed by our rural volunteer fire forces and worked with the engineer to design the unit to fit the required material,” says Shaw.
The Smokechaser will carry onboard water, with a pump and hose unit, as well as portable high pressure and volume pumps and associated equipment for fast attacks needed to stop the fires when they are small and before they get to the bush and forest.
“We can get to smaller fires faster on these roads than the larger fire trucks, with the necessary equipment,” says Shaw.
The new Smokechaser unit will also attend motor-vehicle accidents.
When it arrives in the country shortly, the fire pickup unit will be installed behind the cab of the Isuzu D-Max by Prestige Diesel and Marine’s Aviation Fire Services in Otahuhu.
Aviation Fire Services are experienced in builds and rebuilds of fire appliances and have the maintenance contract for Auckland Airport’s fire appliances. While awaiting the pickup unit, the Isuzu’s body has been fitted out with the necessary decals, radios, lights, siren, and PA unit.
