Heathcote receives new ultralight vehicle and celebrates site for emergency services hub
Heathcote Fire Brigade has officially received the keys to its new Ultralight vehicle which was celebrated at the site where the new emergency services hub will be located.
On Wednesday 20 October, dignitaries handed over the latest addition to Heathcote’s engine bay while also acknowledging the exciting new VICSES/CFA co-located hub to be built on Herriot Street.
Heathcote Captain Carl Watkins said the new Ultralight will be a valuable asset to the brigade’s fleet.
“It offers greater agility and access to narrow tracks and vineyards which are frequently encountered during callouts,” Carl said.
“It has a lot more safety features, and there’s more members that can drive it, as it only requires a car licence.”
The new Ultralight Tanker holds 550 litres of water and is equipped with a Class A Foam System, pump, and other vital firefighting equipment.
“It also allows us to stow and display items in larger internal cabs, lockers and on aluminium trays,” Carl said.
The new ultralight was funded through the Victorian Emergency Services Equipment Program grant, with the brigade also strongly fundraising to contribute towards the vehicle.
CFA District 2 Commander Bryan Suckling said the new ultralight will be a great asset for the brigade. He also acknowledged the new emergency services hub as an exciting project ahead.
“It’s great to see the site has been locked in, which will be a state-of-the-art facility for CFA and VICSES to work and train from for many years to come,” Bryan said.
“Our agencies work side-by-side so it makes sense to have us responding to emergencies from the same site.”
The project is in the design phase and will include a seven bay motor room (four CFA, three VICSES), two sheds for support vehicles and equipment, a kitchen, training room, bathrooms and storage with separate offices, turnout and hazard specific equipment for both agencies.
Construction is expected to commence in 2026.