Twenty-five new pumpers will be added to CFA’s fleet which help brigades better protect and serve their communities.

The new pumpers will be capable of delivering 4,000 litres of water per minute and once operational will replace pumpers that are older than 20 years of age.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the new pumpers are a welcome addition to the fleet and will result in a significant uplift in capability across the state.

“With the latest technology Scania Cab Chassis and the ability to integrate breathing apparatus sets in the rear seats, the pumpers will carry all the necessary equipment and tools to operate on a fireground,” Jason said.

“The pumpers can continuously pump thousands of litres of water at high pressure from a static supply such as a street main, lake or reservoir.

“They will also have the ability to produce Compressed Air Foam using an onboard compressor for enhanced asset protection.

“These new pumpers will ensure our volunteers continue to be well equipped to protect their communities during an emergency.”

“The pumpers were designed by our volunteers to include gender specific requirements to support women within CFA and to help encourage women to join in the future.”

The first ten brigades to receive the new pumpers will be Wendouree, Kangaroo Flat, Sebastopol, Eaglehawk, Narre Warren, Rochester, Emerald, Benalla, Bairnsdale and Lorne.

Manufacturing of the new pumpers began late last year at SEM Fire and Rescue in Wendouree, with the first of the 25 pumpers due for completion mid-2025.

The Victorian Government announced additional funding of $18.6 million for 15 new pumpers last month on top of the $9.9 million for 10 pumpers announced last year.

Words & Image: CFA

Ballarat Highway Patrol have charged a man after he was caught driving his vehicle on its rims which in turn sparked spot fires along the side of the road in Buangor on Sunday.

The driver first came to police attention following calls to Triple Zero (000) that a car was travelling eastbound on the Western Highway on its rims about 6.15pm, Sunday February 25.

The vehicle, with the passenger side rear wheel rim exposed, was also spotted by police working traffic management points in the area due to the bushfires current in the area at the time.

Witnesses reported seeing the wheel rim spark with the road which allegedly led to four separate small fires in grass along the roadway, which were extinguished by fire authorities.

The driver of the green Mitsubishi Magna sedan continued driving erratically into Beaufort, at times reportedly on the wrong side of the road, before a near-miss with a pedestrian.

The car came to a stop in parkland when the driver tried to drive through the area, in the vicinity of Willoby and Beggs street.

The man ran from the dumped car and was pursued by members of the public who caught up to him and held him until police arrived on scene shortly after.

The 27-year-old Sebastopol man was arrested at the scene and has been charged with:

• reckless conduct endangering serious injury (x2)

• drive whilst disqualified

• careless driving

• use unroadworthy motor vehicle

• use unregistered motor vehicle

He was bailed to appear before Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on 18 March 2024.

Ballarat Crime Investigation Unit detectives, with the assistance of the Homicide Squad, have been investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of two people in Sebastopol last Friday night.

Police were called to a property on Morgan Street about 9pm after reports two bodies had been located.

A 55-year-old Ballarat man and a 42-year-old Sebastopol woman were located deceased at the address.

The exact circumstances surrounding the incident is yet to be determined at this stage, however detectives are not looking for anyone else in connection with the matter.

Police also believe the parties involved were known to each other.

Anyone with information was urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online via the Crime Stoppers website.

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives have been investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal collision that happened in Ballarat last week.

It is believed a 75-year-old female pedestrian was struck by a vehicle in a Peel Street carpark about 6.35pm last Tuesday January 30.

The Sebastopol woman died at the scene.

The driver of the vehicle, a 77-year-old Sebastopol man, stopped at the scene.

The circumstances surrounding the crash are yet to be established and the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the crash, with footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers website online.