GPS offers better response times

“Fire & Rescue NSW has announced that all fire engines based in regional areas such as Orange, Wellington and Mudgee are to be fitted with the latest GPS technology within 12 months,” Mr Gee said.

“FRNSW has become the first Australian fire service to harness this advanced automotive vehicle location - AVL - technology in a widespread manner. 

“This system uses real-time satellite tracking and the Telstra 3G network to identify the location of every FRNSW emergency response vehicle.

“When installed in our region, once an emergency call is received the closest fire engine is automatically dispatched to the scene.

“In the past, the system assigned fire engines and crews based on the street address of fire stations. And this did not always guarantee the fastest response.

“The end result of this new technology is reduced response times and an even better emergency response service to the community.”

The new technology has already been installed in 70 per cent of FRNSW’s response vehicles in the Greater Sydney Area. During the next 12 months the remainder of FRNSW’s metropolitan fire vehicles will be equipped as well as the regional fleet.

FRNSW Commissioner Greg Mullins said each fire engine and its crew were a mobile resource.

“Firefighters are often out and about, whether it is responding to another emergency call, giving a fire safety lecture at a school, changing a smoke alarm battery in an elderly person’s home, training or doing pre-planning at a major hazard facility,” Commissioner Mullins said.

“Each fire engine is part of a large network of fire stations that are available to respond whenever and wherever they are needed. This new technology will ensure our response times are minimised, meaning better outcomes for everyone.”

Mr Gee said that at this stage there were not any plans to cover the Rural Fire Service with the technology.