Cook MP Jason O’Brien has presented Mossman Fire and Rescue with new thermal imaging equipment to improve its search and rescue capacity.

“The specialist camera, worth $14,000, is an important addition to the station’s firefighting and search and rescue arsenal,” Mr O’Brien said. “It enables officers to quickly and easily identify hotspots and direct their attention to them. It will also help improve the safety of firefighters.”

The auxiliary firefighters at Mossman attend on average almost 70 emergencies a year, including building fires, bushfires and traffic accidents. Mossman at present has vacancies for six paid auxiliary firefighters.

“I really do encourage local people to sign up,” Mr O’Brien said. “It is a great way to help your own local community. “At the same time you can learn very valuable skills and be part of a team that performs an essential function across the region.”