Shire of Wagin repurposes 35,000-litre fuel trailer as water tank for its volunteer firefighting services

A Wheatbelt volunteer bush firefighting service has re-purposed an old fuel trailer as a new water tank to strengthen its force for the 2025-26 fire season.

The Shire of Wagin’s re-purposed 35,000-litre Nationwide Oil trailer is officially ready for action for the Wagin Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade.

The trailer was bought in 2023, and the shire said the lengthy journey to acquire it, re-fit it to hold water instead of fuel, and paint over the fuel company logo with an original mural was finally completed last week.

Shire of Wagin president Phil Blight said a mobile water source was essential for bush fire brigades.

“It is difficult to fight a fire without water, and getting water to the fireground can be a challenge,” Cr Blight said.

“The tanker is not only a vital asset and boost to our firefighting capacity, it is a proud statement of the commitment of our bush fire brigades protecting our community and a reminder of the importance of being bushfire-ready.”

The tank was funded by a $40,000 Department of Water and Environmental Regulation Community Water Supplies Partnership grant and a $37,000 investment from the shire of Wagin.

The transfer system’s design and construction — moving water from the truck into firefighting units — was led by Wagin volunteer firefighter Tony Dalglish, who used his engineering skills.

Local artists Anita Longmuir and Melanie English painted both sides of the tanker with original artwork distinct to Wagin, overwriting the Nationwide Oil logo previously emblazoned on the tank.

Cr Blight said covering the original logo was an important step as it distinguished the trailer as a water tank, not a fuel trailer.

Following the Arthur River bushfire west of Wagin, which razed about 11000ha of land and destroyed three homes in January, Cr Blight said it was important for the shire to keep elevating its firefighting resources.

“Anything we do to enhance out firefighting capacity is certainly worthwhile,” he said.

“It’s a juggle, with finances being tight, but we do everything we conceivably can to support our volunteers.

“And whatever we need to do, then we’ll find a way to get it done.”