NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) district manager Paul Best was joined by Glencore representatives when the gear was presented at a special ceremony to mark the occasion.

He said the $50,000 package from Glencore provided NSW RFS with significantly-increased capabilities across the district.

“These new bikes and their trailer mean that firefighters can quickly deploy to reported fires anywhere in the district,” Mr Best explained.

“Once at the fire, they can provide valuable intelligence and help fire managers make more informed decisions about tactics and, more importantly, appropriate advice and warnings to the community.

“These bikes can also be used to proactively patrol areas of known arson, or where lightning has occurred after dry storms, particularly in places that our four-wheel drive vehicles cannot access. 

“Early detection of these fires gives us a better chance of containing the fire to a smaller area.”

Glencore Coal’s community relations manager Craig Strudwick said the donation of the trail bikes continued the company’s long-standing partnership with the service.

“As a member of the Hunter community, we’re very thankful for the service these amazing volunteers provide 24-hours a day, seven days a week, and we’re delighted to continue our support of them,” he said.

“We’ve been able to assist with some key donations, including the land on which the Hunter Valley Fire Control Centre was developed.

“We’re hoping these trail bikes will further enhance the RFS’s emergency response and its work in keeping our communities safe.”