Bush fire season: New tankers for Winton, Kingstown and Gowrie Rural Fire Service units

Frankly, Winton Rural Fire Service captain Richard Walters is stoked.

"In our brigade there's 22 active members and this happens about once every 15 years," he said.

"We're chuffed, our old truck was a 90's model and this is going to be a lot quicker and a lot safer because we can operate the pump without getting outside."

And, he's not the only one, Kingswood and Gowrie each received a new vehicle priced at around $300,000 with all the necessary equipment.

Two of the tankers are new and one is refurbished, Tamworth Rural Fire Service superintendent Allyn Purkiss said.

"These are fitted with state-of-the-art crew protection that will maximise safety if they ever get caught in a burn over," he said.

"I hope they never do."

The tankers can hold 200,000 litres of water, are automatic and expected to put volunteers in good stead as the region prepares to enter bush fire season.

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They are funded by Tamworth Regional Council and the state government.

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