New All Seasons Vehicle to be tested by the CFA at Mt Buller

The Country Fire Authority (CFA) has been conducting a trial at Mt Buller to test and evaluate the performance of a new alpine vehicle, known as the ‘Alpine First Attack Vehicle'. Since October last year and until May 2016, the trial is a proof of concept to increase the capacity of the brigade to meet both winter and summer response and performance.

 The vehicle has been specifically designed to suit alpine conditions, as it has a higher level of manoeuvrability and is far gentler on the environment. The Alpine Resort First Attack Vehicle  is based on a Toyota Landcruiser Ute platform, with a 4.5L Turbocharged engine, an integrated diesel engine driven High Pressure Pumping System (HPPS) with 300-litre water tank and foam proportioning system and is fitted with an LED emergency response system. The vehicle is fitted with Mattracks tracks in winter and wheels in summer.

 The vehicle made its first appearance on the slopes at Mt Buller on Thursday, 2nd of July when fresh snow fell, making it suitable for the vehicle to test out the tracks. The terrain and access varied from concrete roads to undulating trails, ice conditions and snow.

 The unit was assessed by CFA Operations Officer, Paul Horton and the Director of Cleanit NQ Mark Dooley. Paul Horton said of the first test run at Mt Buller “We’ve received favorable reports from brigade members about the vehicle’s performance so far, and the unit performed better than expected and met each of the challenges conducted.”

 The vehicle will undergo further testing at Mt Buller in both summer and winter conditions until May 2016 when the full report will be submitted.