Category Archives: News

Morgan’s IGA supports brigade

On Tuesday 28th April, Morgan’s Supa IGA Gisborne, continued their significant support for the CFA when Store Manager Daniel Muscat presented the Gisborne Fire Brigade with a donation of $2,221.54 as part of IGA’s state-wide Community Chest program.

Regional and smaller communities rely on this type of support to help provide a range of services and it is particularly vital to the CFA in both urban and rural areas. Volunteer Fire Brigades are able to maintain and improve the emergency services they provide thanks to this type of community support.

Gisborne Brigade Secretary Henry Neal said equipment ranging from lockers for turnout gear and defibrilators to thermal imaging cameras and fittings for gas flare-off equipment, are all necessary to the efficient operation of CFA Brigades.

“This donation will go toward maintenance and upgrade of essential fire fighting equipment to enable the Gisborne Fire Brigade to continue to support the Gisborne and surrounding communities” explained Secretary Neal.

Latest media release. Gisborne FB

The Fire Danger Period in the Macedon Ranges is now in force. This means you cannot light a fire in the open air unless you have a permit or comply with certain requirements. If you don’t obtain a permit, you could be breaking the law and may be prosecuted. CFA in conjunction with Victoria Police have a zero-tolerance policy regarding illegal fires. It is imperative that all residents are particularly cautious when mowing and using powered equipment outdoors. For further information regarding what you are allowed to do during the Fire Danger Period go to the CFA website at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/can/.

Your preparations for the Fire Danger Period should now be complete. If not, it is not too late. Check out the information contained on the CFA website at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/prepare-your-property/ for suggested preparations that you can carry out. An important consideration for all landholders is to ensure that a fire truck can reach your house. For a fire truck to reach your house your driveway needs to be clear of trees and branches with a minimum clearance of at least 4m in width and 4m in height.

Stay informed with the local fire situations by listening to emergency broadcasters such as ABC radio, downloading the new FireReady app, visiting www.emergency.vic.gov.au, monitoring the CFA Facebook and Twitter accounts and/or calling the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.

Thanks to the ongoing support of the Gisborne community we have been able to purchase a handheld Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC). The TIC has the unique ability to allow our firefighters to “see” through smoke to allow for the easier and safer combating of fires.

The Fire Brigade has been particularly busy over the past two months with firefighters working in the NSW Blue Mountains region, at Sedgwick near Harcourt and numerous small grass and scrub fires in Gisborne and surrounding areas over the past two months. In early December 140 people were evacuated from Jet’s Gymnastics in New Gisborne when smoke from an adjoining factory filled the gymnastics hall. Thankfully no one was injured.

We attended a total of 175 incidents for the 2013 calendar year.

If you drive past the Gisborne Fire Station you may see that we have created a memorial garden to remember our deceased firefighters. Surrounding a plaque are five Fire Star roses. The garden was constructed by our members with the support of the Harry family.

On Christmas Eve the Brigade travelled the streets of Gisborne with Santa spreading Christmas cheer. Santa handed out 130 kg of lollies to the good children and adults of Gisborne. You may have noticed a change from the previous 30 years in the way we undertook this enjoyable task.

Due to an expanding township, OHS requirements, and increasing time constraints on the hard working volunteers of the Gisborne Fire Brigade, this year we minimised the trucks from driving in small narrow courts and dead-end roads.

Rest in Peace, Peter

Peter Harry, 2nd Lt, husband and father was laid to rest in Gisborne today.

From the Firefighters Service:

“We remember him as we knew him, serving in our ranks, answering many calls, leaving comfort, security and safety to render service to all.

Now he has answered his last call, and claims the promise of Jesus Christ that death is but the opening of another door.

There’s a wideness in God’s mercy, Like the wideness of the sea, there’s a kindness in His Justice, Which is more than liberty.

There is no place where Earth’s sorrows are more felt than up in Heaven; There is no place where Earth’s failings have such kindly judgement given.

For the Love of God is broader than the measure of one’s mind; and the heart of the Eternal is most wonderfully kind!

From the dying embers of our colleague Peter’s life we shall kindle a new flame and pass it on from member to member, as a symbol that the life we honour will go on in service through those who this day are humbled before eternity and dedicated to help our community through service with the Country Fire Authority.”

source: CFA’s Protocol Manual, Fire Service Funerals

Rest in Peace, friend.

Standby For Flood Relief

CFA fire fighters from the Macedon Ranges are on standby to assist in flood ravaged NE Victoria.
Emergency crews are at Nathalia where 400 homes are at risk if levees are breached. Water levels have peaked but are expected to remain high for several days. Group duty officer Peter Harry says following a phone conference Friday, plans are in place to back up local crews who have been battling the floods for more than a week.
“There is still a big job ahead and we are ready to mobilize our crews over the weekend”.
Contingency plans to respond additional support from across the Loddon Mallee District are in place with local arrangements coordinated by Mt Macedon Group.

Flash Floods Hit Gisborne

Heavy rain caused havoc across the state on Monday with several local houses and a Kindergarten reporting flooding.

CFA were called to assist SES deal with numerous calls following the torrential rain, dropping more than 100mm on Gisborne. More than a month’s rainfall fell in a day as a storm front moved across the state, with flash flooding causing chaos and partially closing some local roads.

Gisborne CFA crews assisted with sand bags at several homes and a Kindergarten.

TFB Day Fire Highlights Fire Risk

A small grass and scrub fire in Bullengarook on Sunday- a day of Total Fire Ban, had fire fighters on their toes.

A 3 brigade response to the fire in Mulchahy’s Rd quickly bought the fire under control, however fire fighters on scene said it was only the quick response that saved the day.

On days of TFB, local fire fighters are on high alert and have crews on standby for immediate response. On this occassion it paid off, containing the fire on the edge of bushland.

Tankers from Gisborne, Bullengarook, and Macedon were on scene.

The fire was thought to have been started by a wood chipper.

Grass Fire Danger

High fuel loads and long grass have increased the risk of fast running grass fires, CFA has warned.

A fierce grass fire at Diggers Rest on Sunday burnt over 3 hectares before being halted.

Picture by Blair Dellemijn – CFA Strategic Communications.

Gisborne Tanker was one of 10 tankers responded to the outbreak shortly after 1pm.

A large column of smoke was visible from as far away as Melbourne Airport. The fire was burning freely through very heavy serrated tussock and other noxious weeds.

Gisborne CFA’s Lt Peter Harry is appealing to land owners to reduce the grass around their properties as much as possible.

“If your house backs onto an open paddock or bush, you are at particular risk so reduce the fuel now as these fires are running fast.”

More at CFA Connect…