The van, equipped with amazing technology including it’s own weather station, costs around $250,000 and will be used in support of NSW Fire Brigade units.

Prior to the van’s arrival on Friday, Bathurst had a tanker with both hazmat and firefighting roles, but with the arrival of the new van, Bathurst now boasts three fire appliances and the specialised van.

Deputy Captain Josh Clark said the new van is now fully operational, with similar units also based in Mudgee and Dubbo.

He said the Bathurst-based unit would cover a 150km radius around Bathurst.

Firefighter Clark said the new van would always respond to an incident in conjunction with an appliance.

“It’s called in to assist and support,” he said.

Among the new technology on board is satellite navigation, satellite telephone, fax, computer and weather station. 

The weather station is especially helpful in dangerous situations.

“Some chemicals can react to heat or moisture, it’s a very specialised area and that’s the purpose of this unit,” he said.

It also has a chemical data base and other crucial information which enables firefighters to contain hazmats as quickly and safely as possible.

Firefighter Clarke said the van has increased NSW Fire Brigades capacity in Bathurst and the surrounding community.

“We now have the capacity to skim [hazardous] products from water and fluid,” he said.

As retained fire staff were put through the training under the Denison Bridge yesterday, firefighter Clark reminded the community Bathurst is still looking for more retained staff.

“We’re doing interviews at the end of January, so if anyone is interested in finding out more all they have to do is call into the zone office in Piper Street,” he said.