A Mercedes Atego Class 1 tanker, valued at $660,000, has just been installed at Condobolin Fire Station.

Regarded as a ‘jack of all trades’ vehicle, the tanker can travel off-road to respond to emergencies.

Condobolin has a recent and older history of bushfires in the area.

The last big fire incident happened in September last year when a night-time fire damaged a grain silo at Condobolin.

FRNSW quickly deployed eight firefighters and two fire trucks to the scene, including specialists in hazardous materials response.

The NSW Rural Fire Service provided additional crews in support.

They were confronted by large flames which were impacting the silo, containing up to 4,000 tonnes of wheat, and the system used to load the crops into it.

It took five hours to put out the blaze.

A grass fire in Condoblin on a 41 degree day in February 2023.

But going further back in 1891, the Telegraph reported of “tremendous bushfires” - which pushed along by hot, summer winds, got within 32 km of the town taking out several properties and killing 20,000 sheep.

While in January 1926, 20 square miles of farm land was swept up by a fast moving bushfire.

The new tanker boasts a ‘pump-and-roll’ capability that enables it to deliver water whilst moving to extinguish bush or grass fires and is designated as a “specialist Hazmat” appliance, capable of responding to significant hazardous materials incidents in the Central West region.

The silo fire in September, 2023. Image: RFS

FRNSW Region West Area Commander, Gary Barber, said the arrival of the new tanker represents a significant boost to the local FRNSW fleet.

“This new truck is packed with a range of great features including a HALO sprinkler cabin protection system, which will safeguard the crew, particularly if a burn-over situation occurs,” Chief Superintendent Barber said.

“It's four-wheel drive capability also means it can travel through rugged terrain, handling hilly environments with ease, to tackle any emergencies.”

Spokesperson for the Condobolin region, Stephen Lawrence MLC, said the NSW Government is investing in quality equipment and vehicles for firefighters so they can better protect their communities.

“This tanker is one of many that will be strategically placed across the the state to help protect the communities of NSW,” Mr Lawrence said