Member for Barron River, Steve Wettenhall officially commissioned the new "Urban Pumper Tanker" Type 2 appliance and said it would further enhance the station's capacity to serve Kuranda and surrounding communities.

"This new, state-of-the-art vehicle is fitted with a 2,000 litre capacity water tank, as well as the latest in firefighting and road crash rescue equipment," Mr Wettenhall said.

"Firefighters at the station are the first line of response for the people of Kuranda as well as an integral link in providing support to the neighbouring Mareeba and Smithfield Crews.

"I'm delighted to be here today to recognise the outstanding dedication and professionalism of Kuranda's auxiliary firefighters and to present them with an appliance that will support their emergency response capability for local communities."

Far Northern Region Assistant Commissioner Wayne Weston said that in 2008-09 the station's 11 part-time auxiliary firefighters had responded to 21 incidents and provided invaluable assistance to neighbouring crews.

"There were 4,581 incidents in the Far Northern Region in the last 12 months and the Captain, two Lieutenants and eight firefighters at Kuranda are a crucial component of the region's firefighting response capability," Mr Weston said.

"Like all other fire crews, these officers are involved in work that varies from protecting the property and lives of those in the communities nearest to them, to road crash rescue and attending hazardous material incidents.

"The commissioning of this new vehicle will complement equipment and vehicles in neighbouring stations and help create a regional network of state-of-the-art firefighting appliances.

"I would like to personally thank the firefighters at Kuranda station for their outstanding commitment to protecting and serving communities across the Tablelands."