Condobolin, Lake Cargelligo Rural Fire Service fire fighter Craig Tyack says he 100% supports farmers using unregistered vehicles to help stamp out blazes.

''Farmers are usually first on the scene at many a fire and it would be fantastic if they could use unregistered vehicles it wouldwork and they are very supportive and do very good work before the big trucks come.

''They can help put out spot fires also right away,'' he said.

''I think its commonsense for our farmers to be able to do this.''

However, after a trial in 2022 and another in 2024, the state government are yet to confirm when, or if, unregistered Farm Firefighting Units (FFUs) might be allowed to remain a permanent part of the fleet.

 NSW Roads Minister Jenny Atchison's Department told the Western Plains App there are ongoing discussions with Rural Fire Service Commissioners and also insurance regulators, she hopes to have update soon. 

The RFS did trial the use of unregistered vehicles in December. 

Prior to the trial the Minister said the bush fire season is one of the challenges our regional communities face, and farmers play a key role in protecting their own and other local properties in times of crisis.

“A fire can break out at any time and sometimes help can be far away – so we know it’s critical that neighbours are able to pitch in and help.

"The ability to legally use dedicated farm fire fighting vehicles and trailers is a key aspect of this.

“The NSW Government is determined to find ways to equip our regional farmers with the tools they need to take on this task but remain safe.

“To help ensure our farmers can help and respond when needed while still maintaining the safety of all vehicles on our roads, we are carrying out a second trial this fire season while Transport for NSW and key stakeholders continue to examine ways to establish a permanent scheme that does not compromise road safety.”

Craig Tyack. [IMAGE: Tyack Henderson Property]

In January 2024 Labor committed to provide conditional registrations that would enable farmers to drive unregistered vehicles on public roads in an emergency, but is yet to make the program permanent.

Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Gurmesh Singh said it’s a crucial measure that would boost capacity, with the bushfire season just weeks away.

“When a fire breaks out, farmers are often the first to respond, and they can play a key role in limiting damage to property and protecting lives, particularly before emergency crews arrive,” Mr Singh said.

“In paddocks and sheds across regional NSW, there’s an army of privately owned firefighting assets known as the "mosquito fleet".

"They are ready to swarm and help contain a blaze, but they are stuck in red tape.

“There’s been multiple successful trials now and the scheme has received widespread support, so the Minns Government needs to finally make this commonsense change that could make all the difference when disaster strikes.”

Peak body supports the trial.

NSW Farmers Business Economics and Trade Committee Chair John Lowe said the scheme had come as welcome news to farmers across the state, who relied on Farm Fire Units to respond to bushfires quickly and effectively.

“Stopping fires as soon as we can is essential, and Farm Fire Units play a key role in these firefighting efforts in rural communities,” Mr Lowe said.

“These vehicles are often first on the scene to fight a fire, and so there’s no underestimating just how essential they are to first responders during bushfire season in NSW.

“Farmers need to be able to use these vehicles legally on the road when moving between farms and under the protection of third-party insurance, and we hope that through this trial, we can secure a permanent solution to make that possible.” Mr Lowe said,

Mr Tyack told the Western Plains App the threat of fires is currently low, as rain has dampened his patch, but he has warned community to be aware and be prepared.