This vehicle was commissioned into service with the Forests Commission of Victoria (now the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) on the 2nd of October, 1975. It is still a fully commissioned "reserve" tanker with the Fire Management Branch of the Department (although it wears the "old" Forests Commission logos), but has been housed in the Museum since December 1994.

The original purchase price of the vehicle was $8884.00, and was built up at the Forests Commission Fire Protection Workshops, Kyle Road, North Altona, workshops, it was issued to the Kallista depot on the 10th of October, 1975.

All of its working life, except when on task forces attending major fires, was in the Kallista - Gembrook areas of the Dandenong Ranges.

As originally fitted out (direct quote from workshops log sheet) it was:
Fitted with 16 H.P. "Briggs & Stratton No. 8" pump, (Honda Pump of equivalent capacity now installed) fitted with control linkages, hand primed pump, and "super trap" muffler. 5 synthetic hoses with quick release couplings (Nos.: 118 - 122). Driver side front tray made removable. "Stortz" couplings fitted to suction line, blank caps fitted, 2 x 15 Ft. (4 M.) suction hoses supplied with "Stortz" couplings. Battery charger re - coupled behind driver side seat. Mudguard front of rear wheels removed & replaced with mud flaps. Tie rod guard fitted to front axle. Voltmeter fitted to dash. Quick release couplings fitted to delivery sides of front tray. Quick release couplings fitted to 2 directors.

The workshop records for the ensuing years show various repairs, modifications, and updates of equipment. Much of the wear and tear occasioned by working "Off Road" in four wheel drive on forest tracks shows up on these sheets. When not attending fires, large and small, the vehicle participated in "fuel reduction burns", and water cartage for construction works (walking paths, picnic areas etc.) by forest staff.