Victorian CFA readies for summer

As Victoria braces for what some experts are predicting will be a worse summer fire season than last, the Country Fire Authority (CFA) is ready with a new marine fire rescue vessel on Lake Eildon.

The customised nine metre Stabicraft aluminium hulled vessel has full fire-fighting capabilities thanks to its through-hull water pick up system and powerful pump. It is capable of pumping 600 litres of water per minute.

Powered by twin Honda BF225 four-stroke engines, the boat will be no slouch when it comes to quickly getting to any fires.

CFA project officer David Goldfinch says the new boat will play a vital role in the Lake Eildon region this summer. The area was devastated during the Black Saturday bushfires in early 2009.

"In addition to fighting fires on the water's edge or from the water itself, the vessel will also be able to support on-land operations in the area," Goldfinch says.

"The vessel can transport fire-fighters to areas inaccessible by road and has the ability to go right up against the shoreline to deploy crew quickly via the lowering bow ramp. It can also be used as a rescue vessel for people trapped by bushfires."

Carrying 300 litres of fuel and up to six people, the powerful V6 Honda engines can drive the new CFA boat at up to 75km/h.

"In trial runs with the boat fully loaded with fuel, fire-fighting equipment and four people aboard, the performance was 120 per cent better than we expected," Goldfinch says.

Based at the Eildon Boat Club, the new vessel has been sponsored by Marine Safety Victoria, Honda Australia, MY Marine and a variety of other Victorian organisations.