MEDIA RELEASE
MFB Media and Communications
Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board
456 Albert Street, East Melbourne 3002 Tel (03) 9662 2311 Fax (03) 9665 4244 www.mfb.vic.gov.au
27 October 2009
MFB fire truck sets sail for Samoa
In response to the recent tsunami, a fire truck is being donated by the Metropolitan Fire &
Emergency Services Board, Melbourne (MFB) and shipped to Samoa to replace one destroyed
during the tsunami.
MFB has prepared a Scania Mark III pumper tanker to replace the destroyed water tanker, and
with the assistance of Emergency Management Australia (EMA) and AusAID, the fully equipped
firefighting appliance will be shipped to Samoa.
The MFB truck will depart Sydney on a Royal Australian Navy ship today, Tuesday 27
October, from HMAS Kuttabul, Fleet Base East at 10am.
The destroyed truck that it will be replacing was donated over five years ago by the MFB. This is
part of MFB’s longstanding relationship with the Samoa Fire and Emergency Service Authority
(SFESA), which commenced early in the 1990s.
“The MFB is proud to have this partnership arrangement with Samoa, and supported by Pacific
Island Fire Services Association, the MFB is committed to ensuring the SFESA has every
opportunity to provide a quality emergency service to the people of Samoa,” said Deputy Chief
Fire Officer (DCFO) Keith Adamson.
“Over the years the MFB has provided strategic planning, logistical support and operations
training to the SFESA in the form of firefighter recruitment and officer development programs,
plus support with the development of the SFESA Act and corporate action plan.
“Prior to the tsunami, an MFB officer travelled to Samoa to conduct a needs analysis of the
Samoan fire service, resulting in the development of a three year assistance program including
providing fire safety assistance, Urban Search and Rescue training, and officer development
opportunities.
“We look forward to continuing our support for the fire services of our Pacific Island neighbours
wherever possible,” DCFO Adamson said.
This vehicle is one of three that will be donated by the MFB over the next three years.
Pictures of the fire truck ready for despatch to Samoa are available. To obtain the pictures
or for further information please contact:
Christina Bucci, MFB Media and Communications: M 0409 354 077 E cbucci@mfb.vic.gov.au
Department of Defence, Public Affairs Operations Centre: T 02 6127 1999
E
mediaops@defence.gov.au
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