New equipment for fire brigade
Killcare-Wagstaffe Rural Fire Brigade has received new equipment, including a new fire truck.
Brigade captain Ms Michelle Biddulph said the fire-fighters now had more safety gear to assist them on the fire ground, such as specialised fire fighting head torches.
"Our training room has been upgraded which has been beneficial in the training of the new members we gained following the recent fires," said Ms Biddulph.
"In January, our category seven fire truck was replaced and upgraded to a more modern variant.
"The new truck has an increase in water capacity, a better pump and a much better emergency spray system.
"The emergency system would be activated if the crew happened to be overrun by a bushfire.
"Now that we are heading out of the fire season, things will not slow down for our brigade.
"We now enter the hazard reduction season so, over the next six months or so, you should expect to see some smoke in the air due to hazard reductions.
"These reductions are strategically planned to reduce the intensity of any potential wildfires while still protecting our local environment.
"It is recommended that the local community also uses this period of time to reduce or maintain the bushfire hazard in their properties ready for the next fire season.
"The winter season is typically the season for house fires.
"Over summer, the Rural Fire Service encouraged everyone to create a Bushfire Survival Bushfire Plan.
"Every home and workplace should have a fire escape plan.
"Accidental home fires by their very nature can catch people unaware.
"Without an escape plan you are placing your life and those of your families in jeopardy.
"To keep up to date with what is going on at the Killcare Firies, then look no further than our new Facebook page.
"Keep up to date with local information including fundraising, happenings at the fire station and local news," said Ms Biddulph.
The Killcare-Wagstaffe Rural Fire Brigade Facebook page is http://www.facebook.com/killcare.
Newsletter, 4 Apr 2013
Allan Wilson, Bay News