As we enter spring, it is important to get prepared for the summer of 2021/22, and is time to revisit your fire plan if you live in the urban rural interface.
Why is this important? People don’t plan to fail, they just fail to plan. So, ask yourself the following:
In the event of an emergency evacuation, are the following important issues on your radar?
- Important documents like passports, photos and other irreplaceable items.
- Pets; what arrangements are in place and do you have a carry cage for transport.
- Ensure all family members are fully accounted for on an extreme fire danger day.
- Home and contents insurance up to date and with current values reflected in the cover insured.
- In the case of extreme weather event ensure you have plans in place to leave the night before or early on the day before temperatures and wind become extreme.
If you wait for the advice, it may be too late to leave your property. Remember, on extreme days a fire truck may not be available to attend your property.
The brigade has had the normal number of calls with two calls of note to St Fancies Xavier. The first was for smoke issuing from the roof of the school. This was a serious situation that required a full-scale evacuation of the school. The fire was brought under control quickly and the staff and children could then return to class. The second was a major gas leak at the school with another evacuation. The brigade would like to thank the school staff for successfully implementing their fire plan which was highly successful in its implementation.
The brigade has held its biannual elections with the position of Captain being filled by Phil Walton who has moved up from first lieutenant. The brigade would like to thank the outgoing Captain Marc Graham for his strong leadership and unwavering commitment to the role of Captain. He was instrumental in leading the brigade to our new fire station and the permanent allocation of a new fire truck to meet the needs of the township. It is a difficult and challenging role that only those that have had the honour of leading a brigade would understand. Thank you Marc.
Finally, should you require assistance to facilitate a fire plan please visit the CFA website for assistance.
Please stay covid safe and fire safe.
A Blast from the Past
Photo taken in 1969 on the morning the original Beaconsfield fire station building on Woods Street was moved back away from the street to make way for the new apparatus bay to be built in front. The pole was one of several used to support the building when it was raised up from its foundations for the move.
By Tony Lucas
