A new water tanker at Waihola Fire Station is ready for work.
Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan handed the keys to a new Volvo water tanker to Otago Rural Fire Authority principal rural fire officer Stephanie Rotarangi at the station earlier this week.
Dr Rotarangi said Clutha District Council and the National Rural Fire Authority funded the tanker, which was worth about $145,000.
The ‘‘essential piece of equipment'' could cart 7000-litre water to replenish the 1800-litre water tank of the station's fire engine.
‘‘Its main job is to deliver water ... You can't fight fires without water,'' she said.
The station had a fire truck, a tanker and a 4WD ‘‘smoke chaser'' ute.
The tanker would help firefighters battle blazes from stations including Balclutha, Brighton, Milton and Outram.
About 30 people attended the ceremony which was held at Waihola Fire Station.
Mr Cadogan, speaking to about 30 people at the celebration, thanked the firefighters.
‘‘I can't say enough about the volunteer work you do,'' Mr Cadogan said.
