New protective clothing for Albany volunteer firefighters

25/8/00
Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service firefighters are now even better equipped to battle house and structure blazes throughout Western Australia.
Emergency Services Minister Kevin Prince today announced the completion of a State-wide supply program that has seen 450 Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service firefighters issued with new protective coats.
"Since February, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority has been distributing the coats in line with new Australian and International Firefighting standards for protective clothing," Mr Prince said.
The program has seen 174 volunteers in the Great Southern and South-West region equipped with the new coats.
"The new bright yellow coats replace the old-style black tunics we are used to seeing our firefighters wearing. The new coats provide a high level of protection from radiant heat in structure fires and the new colour means that firefighters are easily seen and recognised," Mr Prince said.
The State Government committed almost $160,000 to phase one of the program with a second phase to be completed in the coming year. Phase two will see a further 407 coats distributed to Volunteer Fire and Rescue firefighters with a total commitment of more than $300,000.
This program follows a commitment by the State Government earlier this month to provide $200,000 for protective clothing for Bushfire Service Volunteers. This will be matched dollar-for-dollar by local government authorities for a total of $400,000 to go towards protective overalls, coats, trousers, helmets, goggles, gloves and boots.
"Volunteer firefighters play a vital role and commit many thousands of hours to serving the community and the Government is committed to ensuring the best possible equipment and protective clothing is provided for them," Mr Prince said.
Media contacts:
Caroline Lacy - 9220 5000
Fire and Emergency Services Authority: Jo Ferrie - 9323 9343