Fighting fires with the latest technology

State Member for Clarence Richie Williamson has welcomed the advanced rollout of the newest technology for Rural Fire Service appliances across the Clarence electorate.

The new Mobile Data Terminals (MDT) will allow volunteers to access the latest live data across the fire grounds.

Mr Williamson said, “The RFS crews, with their dedication and commitment, are the backbone of our safety during bushfires. Equipping them with the latest technology is necessary and a testament to their importance in our community.”

“I’m delighted that brigades in my electorate have been chosen for the advanced rollout. We all remember the 2019/2020 fires and the remarkable efforts of the RFS.

This technological upgrade is a significant step forward, bolstering the service, empowering the volunteers, and most importantly, enhancing the safety of our community,” Mr Williamson emphasised.

The new MDTs will allow RFS crews to access a vast array of highly accurate weather information, fire intelligence, interactive incident mapping, and high-level navigation to incidents.

They will also provide incident collaboration across all the appliances on the fire ground and provide accurate data, including the crews’ GPS locations, directly back to incident controllers on the scene and controllers at both district and State levels.

Over the next few months, all RFS appliances will be upgraded to the new mobile data terminals to all brigades across the Northern Rivers.