Minister for Emergency Services and Member for Dubbo Troy Grant said the new Mercedes Benz sprinter van would increase firefighters’ capability to deal with challenging and prolonged incidents.

The $120,000 rehabilitation van will be based at Gulgong and will respond to large fires and other emergencies right across Central West NSW.

“The NSW Government remains committed to providing our firefighters with the best equipment and technology available to support their vital work - protecting life and property,” Mr Grant said.

“The NSW Government’s priority is to ensure fireys have the best tools available so they’re ready to help anyone, anytime, anywhere.

“Last year in August I had the privilege of opening the new Gulgong Fire Station and I’m proud the NSW Government continues to invest in the safety of our region by providing the latest equipment and resources.

Station Commander, Paul Cavalier outlined how special this piece of equipment actually is.

“This is actually only the fifth one they’ve given out in New South Wales and of those five, most have been running down the state’s coast and ours is the first one that’s come inland a fair bit,” Paul said.

“Wearing all our gear is pretty strenuous work, there are certain things you have to do like make sure you cool down and get electrolytes back in your body. Heat stress can be quite dangerous and even deadly.

“The intention with this van is that we will cover 51 stations out west. It provides rehabilitation for firefighters working in pretty hard and complicated incidents. We need to make sure we’re maintaining the welfare of the people working these complicated jobs.

FRNSW Central West Zone Commander, Brett Jackson said local officers continued to receive new vehicles to ensure they are prepared for anything.

“Firefighters in Central West NSW do an extraordinary job protecting local communities and this new rehabilitation van will be an invaluable asset at major emergencies in the future,” Mr Jackson said.