This financial year, Beaconsfield Fire Brigade responded to 309 fire calls. This was an increase of 50 fire calls from the previous year.
The Brigade has attended two significant structure fires this month:
Officer house fire
A house fire at officer with sadly a fatality and significant loss to the structure.
Fire at shops in Beaconsfield
The first of these fires was located at the shops opposite the hotel. This was a major incident with significant risk as the fire spread rapidly and damaged all the shops in the complex. The following appliances and brigades attended
- Beaconsfield 3 appliances
- Pakenham pumper
- Berwick pumper
- Upper Beaconsfield 2 appliances
- Dandenong Ladder platform
- Frankston Breathing apparatus unit
This was a major operation with both sides of the highway blocked as water was required from hydrants on both sides of the highway. This fire required the Brigade to be in attendance for approximately 7 hours. The captain would like to thank the community for their understanding and behaviour whilst they were affected by the traffic diversions during the shop fire incident.
The Brigade elections were held this year:
- Captain: Marc GRAHAM
- 1st Lieutenant: Phil WALTON
- 2nd Lieutenant: Mitch WATKINS
- 3rd Lieutenant: James CAIN
- 4th Lieutenant: Diaharne DE LA RUE
- Communications Officer: Scott HUIJBREGSEN
- Secretary: Glenn DORNING
The Brigade would like to thank everyone who supports and donates money to the Brigade, in particular, the Berwick and Pakenham Op Shops, and Insight Accounting, who contribute a substantial amount to the Brigade each year. These funds are used to purchase essential equipment used by the Brigade. The Brigade has just purchased a Thermal Imaging Camera at a cost of $12,000 with funds donated this year. This camera will allow crews to work safely within structure fires, assisting members with vision through the smoke, for searching and allowing members to read the temperature of the environment they are entering.
The Brigade is continually looking for members to assist during the daytime hours from 0900-1700hrs. If you are at home during these periods and believe you could help, we will give you the training required. If you are interested, apply through the Country Fire Authority website.
By Tony Lukas
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