The Brigade currently has six operational units including one 2006 Nissan Navara Dualcab Utility for Incident Command & Operational Duties, one 2000 4x4 Nissan Patrol Light Appliance, two 2006 Izuzu Medium Appliances and a 1999 Slip-On Unit.
The 2006 Dualcab Nissan Navara mobile fire command vehicle which was initially designated Unit 2, then Unit 91 and now Unit 81. These changed were a result of the RFS changing it's naming policy for support vehicles. It was purchased by the Brigade initially as a trial vehicle approved by the Rural Fire Service to be used primarily for the role of Command and Control at incidences (especially I-zone areas). The unit was to be used as an additional resource on the fireground and will decrease the need to have a fire unit as a Command / Control unit, taking it away from fireground duties. The Dualcab unit is capable of having a slip-on unit on it if required for fireground duties. The Dualcab unit is fitted out with both VHF and UHF radios and can support the set-up of a roadside Incident Management Team (I.M.T.).
In late 2008, the Brigade was donated a trailer unit which when fully set-up will act as a mobile IMT appliance to be towed around with Unit 81. This will free up the the unit to enable it to be a broader support appliance as well as fire ground recon vehicle.
The 2000 model 4x4 Nissan Patrol carries 650 litres of water and is known as a light attack vehicle which is now designated Unit 41 (Previously Unit 6).
Our latest appliances are two new medium attack 4X4 Izuzu Trucks designated units 51 & 52 and have a capacity of 2000 litres of water each.
The Brigade's original Unit 51 which was replaced in 2006 was a 1996 model 4x4 Mitsubishi Canter. It was a great old work horse which saw many beautiful parts of Australia.
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The brigade also utilises a 1999 slip on unit carrying 450 litres of water and is now known as Unit 25.
Additional vehicles have been identified and will be added to the existing units when enough funds are obtained. All units are based at the Ripley Valley RFB Station. The First and some other Officers have two way radios in their private vehicles for communication and quick response to incidences. The Brigade uses alphanumeric pagers as its primary source of notification of fires and other incidences.
To check out the story of our appliance development, please Click Here.
Other vehicles evaluated by the Brigade but were found inadequate include certain brands of ride on mower and also golf carts.
We also request assistance from organisations with bigger toys.
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© Ripley Valley Rural Fire Brigade and Brigade members.