Darlington Volunteer Bushfire Brigade
0417 922 285
Pine Terrace,
P.O. Box 164
Darlington,
W.A. 6070
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Collar Tank
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Providing a fire service for the community from the community.
BAPTISM BY FIRE.
Having just been organized on Saturday 17th January the Mundaring Collar Tank Crew were called to action Monday 19th. With a strong sea breeze
blowing someone chose to light the bush above the Boya quarry. Propelled by this wind many properties in Mandoon Close and Saw Drive came under threat. Fire units
from Darlington and Midland were rapidly deployed along with the Helitac Helicopters from Perth Airport. To allow these helicopters
to operate more efficiently a water source is required as close as possible to the fire-thus the COLLAR TANK.
A Collar Tank is 7500 litres of water in a large plastic polymer container. As it fills with water from the base, a collar floats keeping the top open for the Helitacs
to fill their tanks. In 50 seconds 1100 litres is drawn via a snorkel into the helicopter as it hovers 3 metres above the tank.
On callout for the fire, a team of brigade members was able to have this tank set up and filled on the Darlington Oval as the helicopters arrived. At the height of the fire the two
Helitacs operated by Helicopters Australia were able to refill and drop the water foam/mix directly on the fire front every 90 seconds. Without this rapid turnaround
it is highly likely that serious property damage would have
occurred.
The Collar Tank and associated equipment is supplied by FESA with the crew, trailer and other requirements provided by the Darlington Brigade. The team is available for use
in all areas of the Shire and may be called to adjoining Shires.
Evidence from Mondays fire has shown that the Collar Tank and its crew are able to provide a timely and vital link in the SUPPRESSION OF BUSH FIRES.