The tanker came to Hampden on Wednesday already ''broken in'', Otago Rural Fire Authority (ORFA) principal rural fire officer Dr Stephanie Rotarangi said.
It had been in Dunedin getting a ''final check-over'' when the Saddle Hill fire started.
''It was very much all hands to the deck that day so we poached the brand new tanker, took it to the fire line and then christened it for them,'' Dr Rotarangi said.
''This is the first time I'm ever handing over the keys to a brand new tanker, which happens to smell like smoke and have a couple of little scratches and a funny door.''
The $140,000 tanker, with a 7000 litre capacity, was funded by the National Rural Fire Authority and the Waitaki District Council.
The fire season had started early this year and the new fire tanker would increase Hampden's readiness for what could be a ''very busy season'', Dr Rotarangi said.
At a small ceremony at the Hampden fire station on Wednesday, Waihemo ward councillor Kathy Dennison handed the keys to Hampden chief fire officer Graham Aston.
Mr Aston said it was wonderful the ORFA had the confidence to place a new tanker in Hampden.
The Hampden Volunteer Rural Fire Service had about 14 dedicated volunteers and they were in ''urgent'' need of more, he said.
Some of the volunteer firefighters were pushing 65 years old, but were ''hanging in there'' to keep the service going.
He said he would love to see some new, young volunteers come on board.
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer can contact Mr Aston on 03 439-4883.
The Otematata Volunteer Fire Service will inherit Hampden's old tanker.
