Forestry SA's FireKing Fire Tankers: Two Decades of Frontline Service

Forestry SA's state-of-the-art FireKing fire tankers have spent nearly 20 years on the frontline, protecting South Australia's forests and communities from devastating bushfires. These highly capable vehicles are built for endurance and rugged terrain, offering unmatched protection for the brave firefighters who defend our forestry resources.

We at Finch Restorations are honored for Jason and our Trim Shop to be entrusted with some humble motor trim work on these magnificent machines. Our team was thrilled to welcome a FireKing to our premises, after completing trim work (off-vehicles) for the fleet, and helping to ensure they remain as tough on the inside as they are on the outside.

The FireKing and Bushmaster Connection

FireKing are a derivative of the Australian Army’s renowned Bushmaster vehicles, known for their robust design and exceptional crew protection. Bushmasters have proven themselves in combat and fire-front situations alike, navigating harsh conditions, steep terrain, and dense plantations with ease.

Bushmaster: A Global Force

The Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle, also known as the Infantry Mobility Vehicle, is an Australian-built four-wheel-drive armored vehicle designed by Thales Australia in Bendigo, Victoria. Not only is it used by the Australian Defence Force, but it also serves with distinction in the forces of nine other nations, including the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Poland, South Africa, Japan, Fiji, New Zealand, and Ukraine.

Australia has approximately 800 Bushmasters in service, and around 120 have been gifted to Ukraine, where they’ve been credited with saving countless lives during the ongoing conflict. These vehicles embody the strength, resilience, and protection that the FireKing tankers carry forward in their mission to safeguard South Australian forests and the lives of those who protect them.