The ACT’s Rural Fire Service (ACTRFS) will fight fire with improved fire facilities and three tankers.

ACTRFS procured the facility south of the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve entrance for $2.1 million and the three tankers for $180000 each.

Replacing three smaller light units which have reached the end of their service life, they are medium tankers which can carry more water and feature improved safety.

The ACT Government’s strategy for upgrading and relocating emergency services across the territory has resulted in the construction of the facility, which follows the completion of upgrades to other RFS facilities at Rivers and Jerrabomberra.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Simon Corbell said the station will give the Tidbinbilla Rural Fire Brigade more space for its volunteer fire fighters, vehicles and equipment.

In the wake of the 2003 Canberra bushfires, which resulted in a heavy loss of public and private property, Mr Corbell said the equipment will be beneficial for volunteers to keep the community safe from the threat of bushfires.

"Our RFS volunteers perform a crucial and sometimes dangerous role in our community, and it is upon the government to ensure they have the appropriate space, equipment and vehicles to undertake this important job,” Mr Corbell said.

He said the incoming tankers have arrived in time to be handed over for the upcoming fire season due in October.

According to the ACT Government, all three tankers are equipped fire protection for volunteer fire fighters including specialised spray over systems designed to enclose the cabin area with a cocoon of water spray.

In addition, they are equipped with internal reflective screens that can be lowered to reduce conductive heat firefighters can experience with burn-overs on the fire front.

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