Lake Okareka rural brigade now has certified potable water tanker for Rotorua area

Lake Okareka Rural Fire Force's new tanker can carry 12,500 litres of water. Photo/Supplied

A local fire force now has the largest and only certified potable water tanker in the Rotorua area.

Lake Okareka Rural Fire Force chief fire officer Phil Muldoon says a new Volvo water tanker replaces their 25-year-old Hino tanker.

The new tanker carries 12,500 litres of water and is ready to use in Civil Defence emergencies as well as normal fire service duties.

"There is no doubt that this tanker provides a valuable asset to assist our local community, district and the country when the need arises."

He says it feels amazing to now be using it, with their 25-year-old tanker being too hard to maintain.

They have been holding training sessions with it and have eight certified drivers, which is a class 4 licence, he says.

Phil says the Lake Okareka Fire Force would like to thank all the charitable trusts, local businesses and their own volunteers who have helped with contributions and their time towards the new water tanker.

"Your commitment to helping cannot be understated."

He says a special thank you to Wayne Gardner and his team at Patchell Stainless Ltd for helping throughout the build.

"Their knowledge, expertise and skill have greatly assisted us with this project."

Phil says they started building the tanker at the start of this year and it has been built with an ex-Fonterra tank.

It operates in wider Rotorua and can be called further afield if needed.