Narre Warren Fire Brigade has officially welcomed a new catering truck to their fleet which will help them provide catering support at incidents both locally and further afield.
Funded through the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP), the catering truck is an upgrade from the brigades previous unit.
For 25 years, Narre Warren brigade has provided catering support at incidents and training exercises and this truck will allow them to continue and expand their catering ability.
Catering co-ordinator of the brigade, Andrew Bartels, said the design of the truck was a first for CFA.
"This design represents an important step forward in volunteer welfare and operational support," Andrew said.
"While similar vehicles have been developed interstate, this project highlights CFA's commitment to innovation and supporting brigades that deliver essential services across the state."
The truck includes features such as a gas range two burner griddle, an oven, hotplate, and gas fryer, fridge and freezer space, a bain marie, contact grill and bun toaster as well as a two-burner salamander and extensive stainless steel bench space.
"The thermo oven is the key to being able to feed people really quickly," Andrew said.
"We can do 100 ham and cheese croissants from frozen to ready to eat in 12 minutes, we can have jam doughnuts in 6 minutes, and we could do 100 ready made meals within 10 minutes.
"Our aim is to be able to start serving food within 30 minutes of arriving on scene."
Deputy Chief Officer of the South East region, Trevor Owen, said the truck is an incredible asset for Narre Warren Fire Brigade.
"Narre Warren is one of the busiest brigades in the state, so it's great to see they have utilised the VESEP program to its fullest potential and designed this truck which will not only serve the Narre Warren area but the broader emergency services sector across the state."
