MEMBERS of the Stradbroke fire brigade will have greater protection while fighting fires after the handover of a $300,000 heavy tanker.
Police and Emergency Services Minister Bob Cameron officially presented the tanker to the brigade on Tuesday.
The dual-cab tanker, which replaces a single cab vehicle, features the ability to spray water over itself to protect the volunteers inside in the event they're surrounded by fire.
Mr Cameron said it was important to protect the volunteer firefighters.
"Without them, after this fire season, Victoria would be black from one corner to the other,'' he said.
"(The tankers are) not cheap, but they're good and that's the key thing. A key thing is the safety, you've got the sprayovers, you've got the curtains, and this fire season, we would have lost 15 to 20 firefighters if it wasn't for those safety features out in the field.
"While it may add to the expense, you can't compromise when it comes to people's lives.''
Stradbroke brigade captain John Mowatt said the handover was great news for the brigade.
"I'm sure this new tanker will put us in the lead for many years to come,'' he said.
Country Fire Authority area general manager Malcolm McKenzie said the tanker should should serve the brigade reliably into the future.
Mr Cameron also presented the brigade with a plaque in appreciation of its members' effort during last summer's bushfires.