Batlow Rural Fire Service (RFS) will take delivery of a new category 7 firetruck this weekend following fundraising efforts by the Sydney Markets Foundation.
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Through its bushfire appeal, the foundation raised $239,600 which has been used to purchase the truck and eight rapid spray slip-on tanks for Bilpin and Batlow.
"We saw the devastation that Batlow went through. It's been a pivotal district for apples, it produces 50 million apples every year, it's a crucial part of our supply chain," said Carlo Trimboli, foundation chairperson.
Superintendent of the Riverina Highlands RFS, Jon Gregory said when it arrives on Saturday morning, the truck will become part of the town's fleet of four fire appliances.
"It will increase the ability of the local brigade to respond to fires, and since it's a category 7 truck it's capable of going into the bush," the superintendent said.
"They already have another category 7 and a category 1 and 9, so this will make four trucks available. This is a very hilly country, so it's good to have the capability to move through bush and deliver water where needed."