Latest Montrose CFA News

Home Fire Safety

Wed, 09 May 2012 09:00:00 +1000

CFA attends more than 1000 house fires every year.

Common causes of house fire:

Unattended cooking
Faulty wiring
Clothes dryers
Heaters and electric blankets
Candles and oil burners
Smoking in bed

In your home, you are a fire warden.

Keep a fire blanket and extinguisher in the kitchen
Use the Home Fire Safety Checklist
Teach children to be careful around fire
Have a working smoke alarm
Know how to get out of your house if there's a fire

Only working smoke alarms save lives

A person is 60 percent less likely to survive a house fire without a working smoke alarm.

We lose our sense of smell when we go to sleep. A smoke alarm is the only thing that will alert you if there is smoke from a fire.

Click Here for Home Fire Safety Tips

20 / 20 - Get to Know "Tim Bishop"

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 09:00:00 +1000

1. When did you join The Montrose Fire Brigade? Back at the young age of 16 - 2002

2. What do you do for work? Plumber

3. What's your favorite indoor/outdoor activity? Outdoor activity would be, getting away from all the traffic lights that are becoming more & more frequent , camping 4wdriving the usual relaxing stuff. Indoor activity, feet up on the couch watching DVD's.

4. What chore at the Fire Station do you dislike the most? Vacuuming with the massive vacuum cleaner at the fire station - R2D2.

5. What is your favorite form of exercise? Walking around the local area, then coming home eating a pizza and drinking a 6 pack of spirits, normally throwing away all the calories i burnt off in the walk.

6. If you knew the world was ending in 2012, what would you do for the remaining time? Get to the Airport, go overseas and sight see.

7. What would be "your" best skill that you use at the Fire Station? The fire brigade plumbing consultant, an extra pair of hands when there required

8. If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be? I would've loved to be around when the titanic was made also the Hoover dam, the old bridges/buildings. Just to see how things were made back in the early days before all the technology came along.

9. If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? Throw a massive party for my family and friends, set myself and family up for the future.

10. Has there ever been a funny moment on the fire ground? Drive by tanker water flights are always fun. The other would be when your on tanker 1/ older tankers where people put there helmet/ clothes on the top deck then to have the tank overflow into there turnout gear.

11. Which celebrity do you get mistaken for? A lot of people say I'm " One of a kind" So you can take that 2 ways , I'll take it as a compliment. Others may disagree

12. When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time? Wishing that 30 minutes will turn into an hour, hour into 12, 12hrs into a week.

13. Who will be Fire-Fighter of the year 2012? Once again this year the competition is too strong and close to decide.

14. What was the last movie, TV show or book that made you cry or tear up? TV Show was Beaconsfield when the miners came up the lift to meet there partners after 15 days, it got a chill up my spine.

15. What's the most valuable lesson you have learnt on the fire ground? Never have tunnel vision, always look around at what's happening, you may be able to see something someone else has missed. Always look out for your fellow fires, as they are looking out for you.

16. Without looking do you know the Rego of Montrose Pumper? No, but it does have red number plates, do I get a bonus point?

17. What is the hardest thing you have ever had to do? Digging the hole in the back yard to bury the family dog of 16 years, lowering her lifeless body into the hole then having to back fill the hole.

18. What's your favorite item to eat in a ration pack? The chocolate lollies that's if the girls don't get to them first.

19. What is something you learned in the last week? You can bank/pay cheques at Australia Post. Thanks Mum

20. What is your most memorable Fire Brigade Moment? Winning FFOTY in 2008. Such a great achievement/honor

Cliff Hanger at Kalorama

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 09:00:00 +1000

Anzac Day turned nasty for a 19yr old motorist who lost control of her car and left the Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd at Kalorama. Montrose CFA were one of the first on the scene to discover the driver was trapped and required rescuing.

Read the full story here

Click here for a link to the Channel 10 news story covering the incident.

Knox Group Breaks Record for CFA

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 09:00:00 +1000

Montrose Fire Brigade played a big role in helping the Knox Group of Fire Brigades in breaking the CFA record for collections towards the Royal Children's Hospital Appeal.

Read the full story here

More reports of bogus salesman

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 09:00:00 +1000

CFA is again warning residents in the Eastern Metropolitan area to be wary of a man falsely claiming to sell fire protection equipment on behalf of CFA following new reports in the past week.

Residents of the Dandenong Ranges and outer Eastern suburbs, including Boronia and Lysterfield, have reported people claiming to be from CFA, peddling fire blankets and extinguishers door to door.

In one recent case, a Lysterfield woman was approached by a man wearing a fluorescent vest with no visible identification, and when he was turned away by the resident, he became threatening.

CFA has also become aware of people claiming to be members of the fire and emergency services offering to paint house numbers on gutters for a fee.

Eastern Metropolitan Region Manager of Community Safety, Ray Fritz, reiterated that CFA never sells fire equipment and services door to door, or to raise money.

"It is a concern that someone would use the good reputation of CFA to intimidate residents into purchasing goods," he said.

"Through the support of the media and the local residents, we have already raised awareness about this bogus salesman, so we hope no-one will be falsely lured into purchasing these products.

Residents approached by the bogus salespeople are urged to contact the Victorian Consumer Affairs scam hotline on 1300 558 181.

Victoria Police have been made aware of the incident and will keep an eye on further reports.

Posted by CFA Media

Friday, 16 March 2012

Good Friday Appeal - 2012

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 20:50:00 +1100

Following yesterday's official launch of the Good Friday Appeal, CFA is encouraging members to get behind the cause which supports Victoria's sick children on Friday 6 April.

Chief Executive Officer Mick Bourke said while CFA has been a long-time supporter of the appeal, brigades who had not yet been involved with the fundraiser for the Royal Children's Hospital were welcome to take part.

"Much like CFA, the Good Friday Appeal relies on the generosity and good will of thousands of volunteers," he said.

For more than 60 years, many of CFA's 62,000 dedicated members have shown their support by raising over $21 million for the appeal.

Mr Bourke said he is very proud to acknowledge the work CFA members do to help Victorian children.

"This dedication has been ongoing since 1951, where CFA brigades from across the state not only volunteer their time for CFA, but also support this incredible appeal by standing on street corners collecting money or by conducting their own fundraisers," Mr Bourke said.

"CFA serves and protects the community on a daily basis and what better cause than helping the most vulnerable members of the community - our children.

"CFA brigades take great pride in raising this money; we look forward to continuing to work with the Good Friday Appeal for many years to come," he said.

Last year a record $15,156,000 was raised as part of the Appeal, which started in 1931. Throughout its time, a total of $226 million has been pledged to the hospital to buy medical equipment and to fund research projects and scholarships.

At the official launch yesterday, CFA brigade members from the Wyndham area which included Hoppers Crossing, Werribee, Truganina, Wyndham Vale and Point Cook helped to introduce the 2012 face of the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal, 18-month-old Hoppers Crossing resident Declan Barrett.

Firefighter Matt Cain who coordinates collections for the Hoppers Crossing area said, "We're just so grateful to have a world class facility like this on our doorstep that helps children like Declan lead an active and healthy life.

"There are many CFA brigades already participating in this fundraising event and anyone is welcome to get involved. You can take part through online fundraising, hosting your own event, purchasing merchandise or volunteering your time," he said.

For more information about the Good Friday Appeal, to get involved or to donate, visit www.goodfridayappeal.com.au

This year we've also produced a video which looks back over the past 60 years of contribution CFA members have made to the Appeal. Both CFA and the Good Friday Appeal say thank you to our members.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwskxmoXnF0

Article by CFA Partnerships and Marketing

Change your clock, change your smoke alarm battery on Sunday 1st April

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 09:00:00 +1100

It's that time of year again... as summer and daylight saving come to an end, it's time to make sure household smoke alarms are in good working order. If you have a battery operated alarm, now is the time to replace the battery.

Working smoke alarms save lives.

Smoke alarms have a limited life. The date of manufacture and/or replacement is displayed on the alarm. Replace each alarm after 10 years. Building regulations state that every home in Victoria must have a smoke alarm complying with Australian Standard AS3786. Only choose a smoke alarm that meets standard. CFA urges all householders to replace or supplement their existing ionisation smoke alarms with photo-electric alarms. Ensure you and your family have and practise a Home Fire Escape Plan. For more information: www.changeyourbattery.com.au or www.cfa.vic.gov.au

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=KHgtj8vrMWk

20 / 20 - Get to Know "Alan Hopkins"

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 09:00:00 +1100

1. When did you join The Montrose Fire Brigade? The 9th of December 2009.

2. What do you do for work? I work for Rosebank Engineering as a Warehouse Manager.

3. What's your favourite indoor activity? I love ironing my uniform.

4. What chore at the Fire Station do you dislike the most? None, I enjoy all aspects of the Fire Brigade.

5. What is your favourite form of exercise? I do enjoy running.

6. If you knew the world was ending in 2012, what would you do for the remaining time? I would cuddle up to my wife,
but only after the truck checks were done.

7. What would be "your" best skill that you use at the Fire Station? Polishing the brass and making sure you can see
your face in it.

8. If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be? Past, Present and Future would be to see
Phil Astle making the Pumper.

9. If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? I would buy Captain Stuart McCall a bigger community
sign.

10. Has there ever been a funny moment on the fire ground? Funny moments on the fire ground would be myself
bowling hoses, it always seems to go pear shaped.

11. Which celebrity do you get mistaken for? Dame Edna (Only when I am out for the evening).

12. When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time? Reading (usually OH&S Meeting minutes).

13. Who will be Fire-Fighter of the year 2012? That's an easy one - Rob Waters...

14. What was the last movie, TV show or book that made you cry or tear up? I would have to say Back Draft.

15. What's the most valuable lesson you have learnt on the fire ground? Trust in your crew and crew leader. Have
confidence in your training.

16. Without looking do you know the Rego of Montrose Pumper? Sorry I don't know.

17. What is the hardest thing you have ever had to do? Tell families they have lost a loved one in my past career.

18. What's your favourite item to eat in a ration pack? The biscuits are tasty.

19. What is something you learned in the last week? I should be taking more care when I send text
messages to my wife.

20. What is your most memorable Fire Brigade Moment? Being welcomed into The Montrose Fire Brigade of which i am very proud

20 / 20 - Get to Know "John Tasker"

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 09:00:00 +1100

1. When did you join The Montrose Fire Brigade? Thursday 1983, Due to the extreme conditions and fire activity on Ash Wednesday 1983, I rang the Montrose CFA to see if I could join and volunteer my services guess what? They accepted me!

2. What do you do for work? Production Superintendent at Kenworth Trucks (34 years), managing approx. 1/3 of the plant, (two supervisors who are my direct reports), and about 80 shop floor operators.

3. What's your favorite indoor/outdoor activity? Listening to Music (Hendrix, Clapton, Metallica, Cocker, Stones) Fishing, Travelling, Cooking and trying different recipes for my Family and Friends, (that includes Rob and Veronica)

4. What chore at the Fire Station do you dislike the most? I would have to say the workshop, it doesn't matter what you do with it, it still looks the same!

5. What is your favorite form of exercise? Mowing the lawns, It's like a bad hair day (for those with Hair) before you start "what a mess" but when it's finished WOW!

6. If you knew the world was ending in 2012, what would you do for the remaining time? Make sure that I had the latest VFBV minutes to pass onto the Brigade!

7. What would be "your" best skill that you use at the Fire Station? Observe and assist, do not interfere, but advise where needed.

8. If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be? Future - To see that the Montrose Fire Brigade continues to be the Bench mark for all other Brigades, and that we have grandchildren (for Julie's sake). Past - Never to see the events of Black Saturday repeated.

9. If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? Pay for the new brigade shed!

10. Has there ever been a funny moment on the fire ground? There has been a few, ex member Steve Wright, front mounted pump operator at a house fire (see me for details). For more funnies. Speak to Greg Barry, commonly known a *&%$ Lips at the community playground event, once again see me!

11. Which celebrity do you get mistaken for? Nigel Mansel, Hale and Pace, John Tasker

12. When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time? Look for Recipes and fill in this questionnaire

13. Who will be Fire-Fighter of the year 2012? To easy, me

14. What was the last movie, TV show or book that made you cry or tear up? The Body Guard, Ghost, Black Velvet , Christmas Carol, How Green is my Valley, best of all Dumb and Dumber!

15. What's the most valuable lesson you have learnt on the fire ground? People under pressure react differently, work together reassure each other and "Settle" at the end of the day "do what you can with the knowledge you have" and don't be afraid to ask for help, sorry the answer to the question, do not rush in, way things up, size up, RECEO. etc

16. Without looking do you know the Rego of Montrose Pumper? If the front door wasn't so close to the bumper I would tell you!

17. What is the hardest thing you have ever had to do? Seeing and Saying goodbye to our friend and fellow firefighter Dean Martin at Christmas, Gone but not forgotten.

18. What's your favorite item to eat in a ration pack? The bag it comes in!

19. What is something you learned in the last week? Jenson Button is faster than Mark Webber

20. What is your most memorable Fire Brigade Moment? (Apart from attending major fire's over the years), Receiving the National Medal, I felt truly honored to receive such a prestigious award.

The Declared Fire Danger Period to be lifted

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:00:00 +1100

Declared fire danger to finish
The Declared Fire Danger Period is set to be lifted in the Yarra Ranges on Monday March 19.
The CFA will lift the Declared Fire Danger Period from 1am, easing restrictions on residents burning off in the open.
Mayor Graham Warren said he was relieved the fire danger had passed without any major incidents but warned residents to stay vigilant.
"Although the official period is over, it is still important to continue to actively maintain your property in a fire safe condition and practice safe behaviour," he said. Cr Warren encouraged residents in residential bushland and rural to make the most of the opportunity to carry out any burning off."With the recent stormy weather we've had, there are a lot of branches down so now is the perfect time to deal with these."Cr Warren reminded residents that burning off restrictions also apply in some areas during winter, particularly in the Dandenong Ranges. More details about Open Air Burning can be found on Council's website at www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au under the Residents heading

Bushfire Meeting - 5th December

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +1100

Montrose Fire Brigade would like to thank local residents for attending the Bushfire Meeting (Fire Ready Victoria) held at the fire station on Monday 5th December. With much of our brigade area being a bushfire area, it is important for residents to plan and make decisions now. Having a written Bushfire Survival Plan that is practiced regularly is vital to maximise your chances of survival. For many of you that attended, this is the first step in preparing yourself. For more information visit http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/firesafety/bushfire/firereadykit.htm

Sarah Court Pre-School News Article

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +1100

Last week the Sarah Court Pre-School visited Montrose Fire Station and learned what to do in the case of a fire emergency. We were lucky to all get a turn squirting the fire hose! Back at kinder, the children showed us how carefully they had been listening. They remembered that when there is smoke, they must Get Down Low and GO GOGO – because the smoke floats up high and it’s safer down near the ground. They also remembered that if their clothes catch fire, they should Stop, Drop, Cover their Faces and Roll. We talked about how to ring triple Zero if there is an emergency.Talking to your children at home about these basic safety drills would be great reinforcement. The firefighters at Montrose fire station also suggested that all families should have a meeting spot, so that in the case of fire children can find their parents safely. The letterbox is one suggestion – perhaps you could talk about this with your family, and make sure your children know what to do.

Lucky escape

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +1100

POLICE are calling for VicRoads to remove a "dangerous" U-turn point on Canterbury Road in Montrose following a serious collision last Thursday.
Two Yarra Ranges truck drivers were lucky to escape serious injury in the peak-hour crash.

Yarra Ranges Highway Patrol's Leading Senior Constable Ron Veldman said a large truck was travelling uphill towards Montrose when its 50-year-old East Warburton driver tried to make a U-turn at a median strip break opposite Arlie Court. He was unable to make the turn in one attempt. Kilsyth-bound traffic came over the rise – which is in a 70 km/h zone - as he tried to reverse.

A tray truck collided with the reversing truck, causing it to spin.
The tray truck continued downhill and collided with a tree, which collapsed on top of it.
Its driver, a 58-year-old Badger Creek man, and the other truck driver suffered only minor injuries.
"It could have been really bad," Leading Sen Const Veldman said. The accident occurred about 3.20pm and disrupted traffic for several hours while tow trucks removed the damaged vehicles and CFA crews soaked up several hundred litres of spilled diesel.

Leading Sen Const Veldman said neither driver was to blame.
"This U-turn point is too dangerous," he said. "I think VicRoads needs to remove it."
But VicRoads metro south east director Duncan Elliot said there had been no recorded casualty crashes at the intersection in the five year period ending 31 December 2010.
"Taking into account the accident record at this intersection, VicRoads would not recommend closing the centre median," he said."Closing the median would require consultation with council regarding effects on local residences and businesses in this area.
"The effects of diverting traffic to another location would also need to be considered."
Mr Elliot said VicRoads would discuss the crash's circumstance with Victoria Police.

Timber Yard Fire

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 09:00:00 +1100

Tilling Timber in Orchard Street Kilsyth became involved in fire once again on Sunday 30th October around 10:35 pm.

Back in December 2003, on a hot windy summer's day the premise was involved in a huge blaze that severely damaged the companies' buildings and assets. This time the fire was contained to one large building and its contents plus minor damage to surrounding timber piles.

CFA and MFB crews rushed to the site with thick smoke showing en-route to find multiple stacks of timber and machinery well alight in a large storage area towards the rear of the property. The structure with two open walls was being buffeted with moderate wind gusts helping to feed the fire.

Crews in breathing apparatus using hand lines worked quickly to minimize the spread of the fire to other exposures. Initial low water pressure meant a hose lay along Orchard Street to other water points was needed to help with the fire fight.

Incident Controller Lieutenant Waters gave a "Structure fire not yet under control - factory 30 x 30 metres fully involved" at 10:48 pm and escalated the number of pumpers he had on-scene. Scoresby Hose Layer and Bayswater BA Van were also called to respond.

Operations Officer Don Tomkins was the CFA Commander during the call and worked alongside Operations Manager Dave Renkin and the MFB Commander to help with logistics and planning.

A "Structure fire stop" was placed on the call just after 02:00 am but blacking out continued well into the morning as CFA and Police fire investigators sifted through the remains of the structure.

Crews responded from the following brigades; Montrose, Bayswater, Mooroolbark, Ferntree Gully, Rowville, The Basin, Boronia, Scoresby, Knox Group, Dandenong, MFB WT26, TB22, PT22 and BS38.

The official cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed or released

The Montrose Fire Brigade is opening its doors for its first garage sale - it on Sunday 6th November and it will be open to the public for trading from 7.00am to 2.00pm.

Tilling Timber in Orchard Street Kilsyth became involved in fire once again on Sunday 30th October around 10:35 pm.

Are you Prepared?

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 21:00:00 +1100

As the bushfire season approaches, we hear phrases such as "be prepared" and "have a plan", but what do we actually need to do?

In the current age of technology and Smartphone's the first thing that I would do is go to the website of your state fire authority and bookmark the site - put it on your home pc, laptop and Smartphone. This site will be updated regularly with warnings, information about community meetings, and helpful hints for making your house and surrounds safe for the fire season.

So now that is done, take a look around your property. Do your gutters need a clean out? Is the grass too long? Do you have piles of garden clippings and other stuff that you meant to take to the tip but didn't? Now is the time to act. Get it all cleaned up, just because you aren't in "the bush" doesn't mean that you are not at risk. Being prepared is the key.

After all the hard work is done around the house, sit down with your family and work out your own strategy. Talk about what you feel comfortable with. The warnings are a guide. Have a think about your own situation and make sure that you all know the plan. Maybe even pack a few things in the car just in case. It can't hurt and you can always unpack them again at the end of the main season. You might like to find a safe place for things like birth certificates, passports and other important documents.

Make sure you understand Fire Danger Ratings and be ready to respond appropriately, try and avoid any unnecessary travel into high fire danger areas when a code red fire danger day is declared. If you are going to wait for an emergency warning, don't rely on just one source. Use the radio, the internet and the emergency alert. Remember that there might not be ANY warning given. Fires can start and be devastating very quickly, you need to be alert and enact your plan when you feel it is right to do so. Obviously if the authorities tell you to evacuate, do so ... nothing material is worth a human life.

There are a number of resources available on the CFA website, take the time to check them out here.

The Montrose Fire Brigade Garage Sale

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 21:00:00 +1000

The Montrose Fire Brigade is opening its doors for its first garage sale - it on Sunday 6th November and it will be open to the public for trading from 7.00am to 2.00pm.

So far we have got a lot of bedside tables, bookcases, shelving, cupboards, office furniture, chairs, a pond, an exercise bike (very good condition), filing cabinets, free standing electric fan, an electric BBQ grill, rabbit hutch and an organ!! We also are getting quite a few smaller items, including books, kid’s toys/games and knick knacks just to mention a few.

We will be running a sausage sizzle and cake stall as well on the day.

Donations are gratefully accepted, they can be dropped off at the station on Tuesday nights b/w 7.30pm and 8.00pm or Sundays between 11.30 am and midday or phone 0418 608 511. Please no TV's computers mattresses or clothes.　　

The profits made on the day will go towards a electronic sign at the front of the fire station and the Montrose CFA Relay for Life fundraising team which will be donated to the Relay for Life – Cancer Research.

So come on down, come and meet the Brigade Members and have a look through the bargains.

2011 Brigade Dinner Dance

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 21:00:00 +1000

On Saturday the 6^thAugust the Montrose Fire Brigade held its annual Dinner Dance. This year's venue was the stunning Sky High restaurant atop Mount Dandenong. Despite the rain, the clouds did clear to reveal the lights of the big city. It was a fantastic night with great food and great company including CFA Board Member Michael Tudball, District 13 Operations Officer Jason Lawrence and MFB Deputy Chief Officer David Youssef.

Like every year, the Dinner Dance was where the much coveted Jack Earney Firefighter of the Year and the Jack Verity Award of Merit were presented to two very deserving firefighters. This year the inaugural Montrose Fire Brigade Camaraderie Award was also presented.

The recipients of this year's awards were:

Jack Earney Firefighter of the Year - Dale Stephens

Jack Verity Award of Merit - Marc Unsworth

Montrose Fire Brigade Camaraderie Award - Ray Cole.

Dale Stephens (left) & Marcus Unsworth (right)

Fire at car Kilsyth wreckers

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 20:50:00 +1000

POLICE believe cars that caught fire at a Kilsyth car wreckers overnight were torched.

Nine cars were destroyed and 10 more were damaged in a fire at the Pick-A-Part car wrecking yard on Fussell Rd, which took hold just after midnight.

It is possible some intact cars were torched, as this is where the council takes cars that have been towed.

CFA crews had to force entry after they couldn’t contact anyone on an out-of-hours number.

While firefighters initially thought they would have to guard dogs to contend with, the dogs weren’t there last night.

It took firefighters about an hour to bring the blaze under control.

The fires are being treated as suspicious and it is not known how the blazes started.

Police want to hear from anyone with information, phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The Winter Fire Safety Campaign

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 20:50:00 +1000

The Winter Fire Safety campaign has been officially launched across the state after media events in City Square as well as Sale.

Volunteers from the Boronia, Montrose and The Basin brigades were joined by Fire Services Commissioner Craig Lapsley today to launch the joint CFA/MFB campaign to metropolitan media.

CFA Regional Commander David Sherry and MFB Chief Officer Shane Wright spoke of the need for vigilance around the home and encouraged all Victorians to take on the role of fire warden for their home.

“Sadly there was a fire fatality in regional Victoria just a few weeks ago – believed to have been caused by a blanket on an electric fan heater. There was no smoke alarm in the building,” said David Sherry.

“This is a tragedy that could have been prevented and I just cannot stress the importance of working smoke alarms enough.

“Most house fires are preventable. While this campaign runs across the 100 days of winter – I would like to encourage 365 days of vigilance.”

Members of the public were invited to help form the shape of the number one hundred for the media, and were helped out by recent community heroes Warwick Todd and Tony Morris who saved a baby from an East Bentleigh house fire last week.

CFA Chairman Kerry Murphy, Executive Manager Community Safety Terry Hayes and Manager Community Development Gwynne Brennan also lent a hand.

The campaign was launched to regional media last Friday from Sale College, where volunteers from the Sale Brigade were joined by Deputy Premier and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Peter Ryan and Gippsland Regional Manager Mark Reid.

Class 7.4 from Sale College were shown how to use a fire blanket by Sale Brigade First Lieutenant David Thewlis, and promised to remind their parents to check the smoke alarm in their house.

(MFB Chief Officer Shane Wright)

Life as a volunteer firefighter

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 19:15:00 +1100

My name is Dale and I am a volunteer firefighter at Montrose Fire Brigade. Areas within our community range from a mountainous National Park, urban fringe dwellings, more compact urban homes, and small to large industrial sites. I have been a CFA member since mid 2008.

I want to share with you an insight of what it's like to be a volunteer firefighter. It's not only restricted to fighting summer bushfires. But is more of a year round and wide ranging role that for some, influences the very way they lead their lives.

We respond to a wide range of emergency incidents within our community. They include bushfires, home and factory fires, chemical spills (HAZMAT incidents), motor vehicle accidents and more. We also perform a number of non-emergency roles such as delivering education programs to schools and other community groups. Along with that is performing regular maintenance on our fire station, vehicles and equipment and various fundraising events to help us provide for some of our equipment. We train every Tuesday night and Sunday morning, and also attend formal training courses within and outside these times. For senior brigade members it involves more.

Sounds like a lot of work doesn't it? So why did I volunteer for that? When I joined, like most of us I did so because I thought it would be exciting. And sometimes it is. But there are so many other positives that come out of it for me. But I'll get back to those.

Volunteer firefighters are notified of emergency incidents via a pager service. Most volunteers carry their pagers with them... all the time. The pager can alarm at any time 24/7 and it is our responsibility to attend if we can. Sometimes work or family commitments mean we are unable to, but if we can we do. Sometimes this can mean the pager sounding in the middle of the night. Sometimes just as we've sat down to dinner. Sometimes when we're in the shower. It can happen at any time. When it does, our 100% volunteer fire station has a responsibility to have at least 1 appliance out the door within 4 minutes. And then on scene within another 8 minutes. Just think about that for a moment. This can mean 4 minutes to wake up, get out of the house (or work), get to the fire station, get kitted up in our firefighting gear, and organise ourselves on the truck and out the door... bright-eyed and bushy-tailed ready to respond. Not much time is it? So how do we do that?

For some of us it means organizing our lives in such a manner as to respond quickly and efficiently. Let me tell you a story about one of my colleagues. Rob owns and runs a butcher shop within our community. He lives 2 minutes from his shop and 2 minutes from the fire station. Rob grew up in the area and feels deeply about his community. He's been a brigade member for decades. Rob regularly attends firecalls, and also contributes heavily in a senior CFA role outside our brigade. All as a volunteer. For him (beyond his home life) this means organizing his business in such a way as to allow it to function when he leaves in a hurry to attend calls. Sure... Rob's business could benefit without those interruptions. It no doubt costs him money. But I've never heard him complain once. Clearly he feels deeply about what he does and enjoys doing it.

For me, organising my life has different implications. My family now knows that I can zoom out the door at any time, with only the voicing of the word "firecall" on the way out. I may be home in 30 minutes. Maybe in several hours. And on very rare occasions maybe days. I work around 200 metres from the fire station. Fortunately for me my employer (who is also a brigade member) accommodates my role as much as he can. Sometimes we're out on the road and are not in a position to respond. But sometimes we are on the business premises and the work day can be interrupted at any moment by voicing of the word "firecall" on the way out the door. This costs me money too. Not as much as Rob, but when I leave for a firecall I stop being paid of course. Clearly I feel deeply about what I do and enjoy doing it.

So back to the question... Why did I volunteer for that? At the time I thought it would be exciting. But pretty soon I discovered it was much more. I spent the first 6 months being trained and learning lots of aspects about fire behaviour and suppression. This science of it was really interesting. Then I started to discover that the CFA has a habit of attracting really good people. And if you surround yourself with good people often enough sooner or later some of it rubs off onto you. This was a pleasant but unexpected surprise.

Then sometimes it's rewarding trusting your life to someone and not doubting them for a second. My most recent experience of that was attending a house fire. Four of us on the first truck out the door. Our crew leader was Rob from the story above. We arrive on scene and the house was engulfed in fire. Rob says "Dave and Dale, BA". This means that Dave and I had to put our Breathing Apparatus on and most likely enter the house to (possibly) look for people, and attack the fire.

Is my BA going to work and help keep me safe? Of course, we test it at least weekly and I trust my colleagues to do it well. I don't doubt it for a second. Dave enters the house first, and I closely follow. The house is on fire in several rooms, and looking through what's left of the ceiling I can see the roof is on fire too. Almost straight away I see power lines dangling... and I wonder if the power is turned off. Straight away I think it is, Rob would've made sure of that. As Dave and I continue, pieces of ceiling and roof structure are falling on us, as well as a lot of water. Some of the water from us, and I guess some of it from people attacking the fire from outside. It's hot, and the steam from water hitting the fire makes it hard to see. Am I worried? Not for a second. It's all about trusting your training, trusting your colleagues and trusting yourself. I felt we were in control the whole time. Looking back at it that's fantastic isn't it? Here we are in a burning house, and the trust I have in Dave, Rob and everyone else is seeing me through the experience having total faith in all of them.

Dave and I exit the house when we are nearly out of air. When we walk outside another colleague stops by to help us out of our gear. Nobody had to ask her. She just did. That's what we do.

I have a drink at look back at the scene. The fire is mostly out, and fellow firefighters are finishing off the last of it. I see the homeowner and wonder about them and what they'll do now. That part never gets easier. I'll go home and have a shower and have some dinner. Kiss the kids good night and continue on with my life. The people who lived in that house had one of the worst days of their life. At least nobody lost a life or was hurt.

So I think I've learnt a lot in a short time in the CFA. I've learnt trust in people that I never knew. I learnt that there are many people all around us who are better than we'll ever know. I've reminded myself that my wife has enormous coping skills and strength.

So far it's been so much more than I thought. So much better... and for reasons that I never dreamt of before, so much more rewarding.

And I've become a better person. That's the best bit.

Dale Stephens

Volunteer Firefighter

Montrose Fire Brigade