Newham CFA donates quick fill trailer to Tongala

The trailer is for the fast filling of fire tankers on the fire ground from dams, creeks or other water sources.

Newham Lieutenant Bryan Hornbuckle said the quick fill had become surplus to the brigades needs, butmembers still wanted it to be put to good use.

“There has been a transfer of a Newham member to Tongala and so we know a little about their operations,” Mr Hornbuckle said.

“We knew they’d be able to make good use of the quick fill.

“Not only do they attend incidents in their own immediate area, they back up Echuca, Kyabram and other brigades as well.

“They also often need to draw water from channels so the quick fill is ideal.

“We also wanted the trailer to go to a brigade which doesn’t have the fundraising abilities brigades like ours does in the Macedon Ranges.

“Tongala is also of course, in a dairying area which has been hit hard by drought and with the high cost of water and the closure of Nestle in Tongala looming, Newham thought they’d like to give them a boost.”

Tongala Captain Dave Wright said the brigade was honoured by the gesture and would get plenty of use from the quick fill.

Tongala attended more than 130 emergency call outs last year and 65 incidents this year to date.

They are also on the lookout for new members for firefighting and support roles.

To contact them, visit the brigade’s Facebook page or drop into the station at 114 Mangan St on Tuesday evenings.