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Details: Created: 02 February 2020; Last Updated: 06 October 2021

Fire Equipment Gallery

Large Tankers

See also: Large Fire Tankers

Photograph taken in about 1950 (Source: B Marsden) : Blitz 4x4 Tanker

Photograph taken in about 1960 (Source: B Marsden) : Bedford RLHC 4x4 Tanker, Petrol

Photograph probably taken in the early 1950s (Source: FCRPA) : "Three water tankers, each of 400 gallons capacity and built to the Commission's own specifications, were delivered and orders placed for three additional units. " FCV Annual Report 1951/52. The truck is an Austin.

Photograph taken in the Grampians in 1958 (Source: R Graham) : FCV Blitz Tankers awaiting deployment

Photograph taken in 1972 (Source: B Marsden) : International C1300 4x4 Tanker, Petrol

Photograph taken in about 1972 by B Marsden : Bedford M Series 4x4 Tanker, Petrol. Based on a CFA design

Photograph taken in about 1975 by B Marsden : Bedford M Series 4x4 Tanker, Petrol. With V bottom tank

Photograph taken in 1972 (Source: B Marsden) : Ford D1213 4x2

Photograph taken in 1976 (Source: B Marsden) : Ford D1213 4x2 Tanker, Petrol

Photograph taken in 1977 by B Marsden : Bedford M Series 4x4 Tanker, Petrol. With retardant mixing technology

Photograph taken in about 1983 by B Marsden : Mercedes Benz 911B 4x4 Tanker, Diesel

Photograph taken in about 1983 by B Marsden : Isuzu JCS 4204x4 Tanker, Diesel. Similar design to earlier builds

Photograph taken in about 1994 (Source: B Marsden) : Isuzu FTS 700 4x4 Tanker, Diesel. Hydraulic cabin lift mechanism

Photograph taken in about 1997 (Source: B Marsden) : Isuzu FTS 750 4x4 Tanker, Diesel. High pressure stainless steel monitor

Photograph taken in 2004 by B Marsden : Isuzu FTS 750 4x4, Diesel. Vehicle-mounted spray protection system installed

Photograph taken in April 2006 by B Marsden : Isuzu FTS 750 Dual 4x4 Tanker, Diesel. Central Tyre Inflation Technology Trial

Photograph taken in Septembert 2009 by B Marsden : Isuzu FTS 8

Photograph taken in September 2009 by B Marsden : Isuzu FTS 800 4x4 Tanker, Diesel. RATS Tracking System

Photograph taken in 2014 by M Appleton : Mercedes Benz Unimog HD Tanker

Mid-Range Tankers

See also: Mid-Range tankers

Photograph taken in 1993 by B Marsden : Mitsubishi Canter 4x4 Crane installing a 1000 litre slip-on module on its tray

Photograph taken in 1993 by B Marsden : 1000 litre slip-on uni

Photograph taken in 1993 by B Marsden : 1000 litre slip-on module mounted on a Mitsubishi Canter 4x4 with crane fitted

Photograph taken in 2004 by B Marsden : 1200 litre slip on uni

Photograph taken in 2004 by B Marsden : 1200 litre slip on module showing D1 16 Dosatron foam injector, control panel and air compressor

Photograph taken in 2004 by B Marsden : 1200 litre slip-on module mounting position on an Isuzu NPS 300 single cab tray, also fitted with a Hi-AB crane installed forward of the tank. Driver side view.

Photograph taken in 2004 by B Marsden : 1200 litre slip on module mounted on an Isuzu NPS 300 4x4 single cab tray; crane installed front left hand corner of tray. Curbside view

Photograph taken in 1999 by B Marsden : Standard slip-on toggle mount installed at one corner of a mid-range slip-on module

Photograph taken in 1999 by B Marsden : 1500 litre slip-on un

Photograph taken in 1999 by B Marsden : 1500 litre slip-on module mounted to a Bacchus Marsh Mitsubishi Canter 4x4 dual cab tray vehicle with no crane installed

Small Tankers

See also: Small Tankers

Photograph taken in the early 1960s (Source: B Marsden) : Towable Furphy water cart (long version)

Photograph taken about 1967 (Source: B Marsden) : Slip-on version of a 180 gallon Furphy water tank

Photograph taken about 1969 (Source: B Marsden) : Collapsed 400 litre rubber tank. Note - tie down points

Photograph taken about 1969 (Source: P McHugh) : Toyota Land Cruiser tray supporting a laden 400 litre rubber tank

Photograph taken in 1975 (Photo: B Marsden) : Modified heating oil tank first used as a slip-on to replace rubber bladder version

Photograph taken in 1988 (Photo: B Marsden) : 400 litre slip-on prototype

Photograph taken in 1989 (Photo: B Marsden) : In the early days a number of slip-on units were stored in the open due to lack of undercover storage

Photograph taken in 1989 (Photo: B Marsden) : Some slip-on units were stored in purpose built shelters and suspended by block and tackle

Photograph taken in 1992 (Photo: B Marsden) : 400 litre slip-on fitted with foam technology and a Dosatron foam injector

Photograph taken in 1996 (Photo: B Marsden) : 400 litre slip-on fitted with a compressor for Compressed Air Foam

Photograph taken in 2000 (Photo: B Marsden) : 400 litre poly slip-on with a coil of slotted agricultural hose used to reduce water surge in the tank

Photograph taken in 2008 (Photo: B Marsden) : 400 litre slip-on without suction hoses and work light

Photograph taken in 2008 (Photo: B Marsden) : Assembled slip-on units complete with all ancillary fittings

Retardant Mixers

See also: Fire Retardant Mixing Systems

Photograph taken about 1970 by N Cox at Yanakie Firebombing Base : Venturi retardant mixer

Photograph taken in the late 1960's (Source: B Marsden) : Retardant mixing operation - site unknown

Photograph taken in 1970 (Source: B Marsden) : Venturi retardant mixing on site

Photograph taken in 1978 (Source: B Marsden) : Prototype 1700 litre internal paddle retardant mixer

Photograph taken in 1984 (Source: B Marsden) : 1500 litre internal paddle mobile retardant mixer

Photograph taken in 1998 by B Marsden : 3000 litre fixed-base retardant mixer c/w Volkswagen engine

Photograph taken in 1998 by B Marsden : 3000 litre mobile retardant mixer c/w Isuzu diesel engine and support trailer

Photograph taken in 2000 by B Marsden : 200 GPM eductor mixer testing at North Altona Equipment Centre

Photograph taken in 2001 (Source: B Marsden) : Mansfield Fire Bombing Base

Photograph taken in 2004 by B Marsden : 150 GPM eductor mobile retardant mixer at North Altona Equipment Centre

Photograph taken in 2006 by B Marsden : 15000 litre ex. milk tanker converted to a bulk retardant mixing unit c/w 150 GPM eductor

Photograph taken in 2000 by B Marsden : 200 GPM Eductor Mixer

Photograph taken in 1984 (Source: B Marsden) : 1500 litre internal paddle retardant mixer - fixed base

Relay Tanks

See also: Remote Area Firefighting - Water Tanks

Photograph taken about 1962 (Source: B Marsden) : An early self-supporting canvas relay tank complete with protective cover

Photograph taken in 1968 (Source: B Marsden) : Fire Awareness Week pump demonstration, using a canvas relay-tank as a water source

Photograph taken in about 1959 (Source: B Marsden) : A small canvas relay tank anchored to the ground with steel pegs at each corner and secured with guy ropes for stability

Photograph taken in about 1959 (Source: B Marsden) : Water being transferred to a small canvas relay tank by a Pacific Marine pump

Photograph taken in about 1999 (Source: B Marsden) : 450 litre portable water storage dam

Photograph taken in about 1981 (Source: B Marsden) : A framed relay-tank erected next to an ablutions unit at a remote camp

Photograph taken in about 1984 (Source: B Marsden) : Relay tank manufactured from pvc

Photograph taken in about 1984 (Source: B Marsden) : On-site ablutions unit and relay tank being positioned for use

Photograph taken in about 1986 (Source: B Marsden) : Framed relay-tank being used as a water storage for a âwash-downâ operation

Photograph taken in about 1989 by B Marsden : Fireflex 11000 litre Pumpkin Tank, small opening

Photograph taken in about 1992 by B Marsden : A variety of Fireflex PVC collapsible water tanks on display at North Altona Equipment Centre

Photograph taken in about 2004 by B Marsden : Two 11000 litre Fireflex floating-collar tanks supporting a retardant mixing operation

Fire Camps

See also: Forest Fire Camp Developments

Photograph taken in 2008 (Source: B Marsden) : Large containerised kitchen with a hydraulic fold out expansion wall

Photograph taken in 2008 (Source: B Marsden) : Transport by container trailer

Photograph taken in 2008 (Source: B Marsden) : Two cache containers are located at each site and staffed

Photograph taken in 2008 (Source: B Marsden) : Large camp layout with individual sleeping quarters

Photograph taken in 1951 (Source B Marsden)1951 : FCV Crew bei

Photograph taken in 1951 (Source B Marsden) : FCV Crew being fed from a Wiles Mobile Cooker at Carpendeit

Photograph taken at Buckle Spur, Erica District in 1952 (Source: B Marsden) ; Canvas tent erected using timber spars

Photograph taken probably mid 1970's (Source: B Marsden) : Basic cooking set up for a small crew.

Photograph taken in 1979 by B Marsden : Standard canvas water bags on tanker

Photograph taken in 1979 by B Marsden : Franklin Mobile Kitchen

Photograph taken in 1981 at North Altona by B Marsden : Mobile

Photograph taken in 1981 at North Altona by B Marsden : An early Mobile Trail Kitchen Van

Photograph taken in 1982 at North Altona by B Marsden : Heavy duty canvas mess tent with fly wire walls - introduced 1982

Photograph taken in 1982 by B Marsden : Catering trailer setting up at a fire camp

Photograph taken in 1982 by B Marsden : Large trailer mounted refrigerator ex. Military, purchased in 1982

Photograph taken in about 1983 (Source: B Marsden): Two Aldershot ovens and copper in use at a fire camp

Photograph taken in 1984 by B Marsden : Hessian "privacy" walls at a camp toilet

Photograph taken in 1985 by B Marsden : 8 KVA Power Generator - introduced in 1985

Photograph taken in 1984 by B Marsden : Brimarco Mobile Kitche

Photograph taken in 1984 by B Marsden : A Brimarco Industries Mobile Kitchen

Photograph taken in East Gippsland in 1985 by B Marsden : Heavy duty canvas tents at a fire camp

Photograph taken in 1985 by B Marsden : Early lightweight canvas tent used as a kitchen - introduced 1982

?Photograph taken in 1986 by B Marsden at North Altona : Laund

Photograph taken in 1989 by B Marsden at North Altona : Laundry Van developed at the North Altona Workshop in 1989

Photograph taken in 1995 by B Marsden : 4.5 litre drinking water backpack with replaceable bladder

Photograph taken in 2005 by B Marsden : Hand washing stations purchased for use in fire camps

Photograph taken in 2010 by B Marsden at the North Altona Fire Museum : Large hanging canvas waterbag

Photograph taken in 2010 by B Marsden at the Altona Fire Museum

Photograph taken in 2010 by B Marsden at the North Altona Fire Museum : Hurricane Kerosene Lantern

Photograph taken in 2010 by B Marsden at the Altona Fire Museum : Canvas Shower Bag - used in the 1950's and 1960's

Photograph taken in 2010 by B Marsden at the North Altona Fire Museum : Tilley Kerosene Lantern

Composite photo prepared in 2020 : Camp "food" - still around in early 1960s and maybe later

Composite photo prepared in 2020 : Meat safes - widely used before refrigeration

Photograph taken about 1975 by B. Marsden : FCV Mobile Cool Room

Photograph taken in 2005 (Source: B Marsden) : Shower pod being unloaded from a tilt tray

Photograph taken in 2008 (Source: B Marsden) : Side-lift container loader

Photograph taken in 2008 (Source: B Marsden) : Tents inside a Marquee with air conditioning for day crews

Photograph taken in 1983 by B Marsden : Ex- Military Mobile Toilet Units ready for deployment from the Altona FEDC

Photograph taken in about 1987 (Source: B Marsden) ; Mobile Ablutions Unit sited at a fire camp

Photograph taken in about 1987 (Source: B Marsden) : Ablutions unit - 2 shower cubicles, 6 hand basins; electric water pump, lpg gas heater

Photograph taken in the early 1950's (Source: M Cecil) : Ex- Military Cooker owned by the FCV

Fire Pumps

See also:Fire Pumps

Fire Pump: Quick Quench Fire Fighter/1.8 HP at 3000 RPM, Rope start; Fireline operation; Delivers 40 GPM at 10 PSI; Operation - 1950s (Source: B Marsden)

Fire Pump: 1.5 inch Rex 3M; Universal use; Delivery not recorded; Operation -1940s to 1960s (Source: B Marsden)

Fire Pump: Johnson Tremblay Pedestal/6 HP at 3000 RPM; for hoseline work up to 1200 ft; Delivers 85 GPM at 65 PSI; Operation - 1940s to 1950s (Source: B Marsden)

Fire Pump: Johnson Pedestal; Operation - probably 1940s to 1950s

Fire Pump: Johnson Tremblay Pedestal/6 HP at 3000 RPM; for hoseline work up to 1200 ft; Delivers 85 GPM at 65 PSI; Operation - 1940s to 1950s (Source: B Marsden)

Fire Pump: Coventry Climax, Model FSM; Crank start; Portable trailer pump; Delivers 214 GPM at 60 PSI; Operation - 1940 to 1980s (Source: B Marsden)

Fire Pump: Coventry Climax, Model FWMP; Electric start; Portable trailer pump; Delivers 250 GPM at 100 PSI; Operation - 1951 to 1990 (Source: B Marsden)

Fire Pump: Simac Lever Action; RLHC Bedford backup; Operation - 1950s to 1970s (Source: B Marsden)

Fire Pump: Pacific Marine/Type Y; Pressure pump for reaching tree tops and for extended hoseline work; Delivers 63 GPM at 100 PSI; Operation - 1950s to 1980s (Source: B Marsden)

Fire Pump: 2 inch Lista transfer pump; Operation - probably 1950's (Source: B Marsden)

Fire Pump: Pacific Marine/Type Y; Pressure pump for reaching tree tops and for extended hoseline work; Delivers 63 GPM at 100 PSI; Operation - 1950s to 1980s (Source: B Marsden)

Fire Pump: Grazcos 30B/ 7 HP Howard L Series motor; RLHC Bedford tanker (Rope start); Delivers 80 GPM at 80 PSI; Operation - 1950s to 1970s (Source: B Marsden)

Fire Pump: Grazcos/7 HP Howard L Series motor; RLHC Bedford tanker (Rope start); Delivers 80 GPM at 80 PSI; Operation - 1950s to 1970s (Source: B Marsden)

Fire Pump: GAAM 30B/7 HP, Wisconsin motor ( Electric start); Tanker pump; Delivers 80 GPM at 80 PSI; Operation - 1960s to 1980s (Source: B Marsden)

Fire Pump: 9 HP Wajax Mk3/4 stage pressure pump; for reaching tree tops and for extended hoseline work; Delivers 64 GPM at 100 PSI; Operation - from 1950s (Source: B Marsden)

Fire Pump: 9 HP Wajax Mk3/4 stage; Pressure pump for reaching tree tops and for extended hoseline work; Delivers 64 GPM at 100 PSI; Operation - from 1950s (Source: B Marsden)

Fire Pump: 9 HP Wajax Mk3/4 stage pressure pump; for reaching tree tops and for extended hoseline work; Delivers 64 GPM at 100 PSI; Operation - from 1950s (Source: B Marsden)

Fire Pump: 1.5 inch Alcon/3 HP Briggs and Stratton motor; Universal pump; Delivers 60 GPM open flow; Operation -1960s to 1980s (Source: B Marsden)

Fire Pump: 1.5 inch Alpha/5 HP Briggs and Stratton motor; Universal pump; Delivers 60 plus GPM open flow; Operation - 1980s to 1990s (Source: B Marsden)

Fire Pump: 1.5 inch Alpha/4HP Briggs and Stratton motor; Universal pump; Delivers 60 GPM open flow; Operation - 1980s to 1990s (Source: B Marsden)

Fire Pump: GAAM 30B/10 HP Honda G400 motor; Tanker pump; Delivers 80 GPM at 80 PSI; Operation - 1980s to 1990s (Source: B Marsden)

Fire Pump: 3 inch Alcon/10 HP Briggs and Stratton motor; Fireline filler pump (trailer mounted); Delivers 225 GPM open flow; Operation 1960s to 1990s (Source: B Marsden)

Fire Pump: GAAM Mk 100 GX/10 HP Honda motor; Tanker pump; Delivers - 125 GPM at 25 PSI; Operation - 1970s to 1980s (Source: B Marsden)

Fire Pump: GAAM Mk 125/Ruggerini MD191(17.7 HP) diesel engine; Main pump on Isuzu tankers; Delivers 450 LPM at 700 kPa; Operation - 1998 to 2010 (Source: B Marsden)

Fire Pump: Magirus/VW four stroke motor; For long hose lays and filling; Delivers 2000LPM at 1500 kPa; Operation -1990 to 2005 (Source: B Marsden)

Fire Pump: Regent Fire Buster Mk2/20 HP Honda motor; Provides water to retardant eductor system; Delivers 640 LPM at 400 kPa; Operation - from 2006 (Source: B Marsden)

Fire Pump: 3 inch Powermac /18 HP Honda motor; Retardant transfer pump; Delivers 450 LPM at 400 PSI; Operation - 2004 to 2010 (Source: B Marsden)

Fire Pump: 3 inch Finsbury pump/18 HP Vanguard motor; Fire retardant and water transfer pump; 450 LPM at 400 PSI; Operation - from 2009 (Source: B Marsden)

Fire Pump: 3 inch Wacker,Model PT3A/7.9 HP Honda motor; Fireline filler pump; Delivers - 383 GPM open flow; Operation - from 1990s (Source: B Marsden)

Fire Pump: 3 inch Alpha/11 HP Honda motor; Delivers 400 LPM; Operation - 1980s to 2000 (Source: B Marsden)

Fire Pump: 2 inch Davey two stage pump/9 HP Honda motor; Universal use; Delivers 200 GPM open flow; Operation - from 1999 (Source: B Marsden)

Fire Pump: Davey Fire Fighter 93106/5.5HP Honda GX160; Universal and slip on use; Delivers 450 LPM; Operation - 1980s (Source: B Marsden)

First Attack Dozers

See also: First Attack Dozers

Photograph probably taken in the early to mid-1960s (Source: B Marsden) : First Attack Dozer. Allis Chalmers HD3 with V Blade.

Photograph taken in the early to mid 1960s (Source: FCRPA) : First Attack Dozer. Cat D4E on a Bull Nose Bedford tray truck.

Photograph taken about 1970 by N Cox at Cann River : First Attack Dozer. Fiat AT7

Photograph taken in 1987 by W Worrell : First Attack Dozer bei

Photograph taken in 1987 (Source: W Worrell) : First Attack Dozer being unloaded. John Deere (Model?) on a Dodge Tipper at Olinda.

Photograph taken in 1993 by W Worrell : First Attack Dozer. John Deere - T104 on a Hino Tipper at Olinda.

Photograph taken in 1997 by W Worrell : First Attack Dozer - Cat D4C working from Olinda.

Fire Equipment Articles

Introduction
Tankers - Large
Tankers - MidRange
Tankers - Small
Camps
Retardant Mixing
Relay Tanks
Pumps
Foam
First Attack Dozers
Survival Tents
Tractor Operator Protection -1988 Trial
Things that go "Whoosh"

Fire Topics

Major Fires
Fire Aviation
Fire Equipment
Fire Memories

There are a number of Fire Research Reports available in the Site Library.

The FCRPA

The Forests Commission Retired Personnel Association was founded in 1979

Paul Barker

Paul's talents as an archivist mean that many documents on this site are available because of his endeavours. Read his story ...

Noel Fraser

Noel started collecting photos a decade or more ago. His collection now forms a significant component of the collection available on this site.

Important Sites

Australian Forest History Society
Lantern Slide Collection
Light Railway Research Society
Peter McHugh's Site
More ...

Site Editor: vicforestheritage@gmail.com
FCRPA: forestscommissionrpa@gmail.com