South East Firefighters get boost from OneFortyOne Plantations

OneFortyOne Plantations is providing local firefighters with four new thermal cameras and will fund the installation of a high speed water pump at the Millicent airstrip.

The contribution by OneFortyOne Plantations will ensure local brigades have the most up to date equipment during what may be a challenging fire season.

OneFortyOne Plantation’s Chief Executive, Ms Linda Sewell, said that the organisation was committed to supporting local firefighting efforts.

“We know the risk to the local community posed by bushfires and we are looking at both short term and long term support for the community’s firefighting efforts,” she said.

Wattle Range, Gambier and Kingsley Groups of the CFS and ForestrySA Brigade will each receive a new thermal camera in the lead up to the 2013 fire season.

Thermal cameras are used to identify “hot spots” during mop-up of bushfire affected areas which could flare up in the right conditions and reignite fires in areas previously thought to have been contained. They are a critical tool in controlling bush fires.

OneFortyOne Plantations is also funding the installation of a high speed water pump for the filling of Air tankers at the Millicent airstrip. This will reduce the turnaround time for air tankers by over 50% thus increasing the effectiveness of fire suppression.

CFS Regional Commander John Probert said, “The installation of the high speed pump at the Millicent airstrip and the addition of thermal cameras for local brigades will enhance our capacity to manage fire suppression when high risk conditions threaten the area.  The CFS is pleased that this contribution by OneFortyOne will provide extra security for the community.” 

For further information please contact Linda Sewell (03) 8554 0600