Rob Saitta has been part of the Epping community and the local CFA for more than 20 years.
How long have you lived in the area?
I have lived in Epping with my wife and kids for the last 21 years.
What do you love about your community?
It has all you need at your door step.
What, if anything, would you change about your community?
The main thing I would change is to upgrade the area’s road network, as we have a lot of growth going on around here, but the road network hasn’t been changed all that much.
How long have you been with Epping CFA, and how long have you been captain?
I joined Epping CFA back in 1994 and have been captain for four years.
I have just been elected back in for the next two years.
Why did you join the CFA?
Ever since I was a kid, I always loved fire trucks.
My next door neighbour was in the fire brigade, so when I could, I would always want to put on his helmet.
What do you like about being involved with the CFA?
Being involved in the CFA gives me a sense of achievement, as well as all the extra skills that I have learnt in my time being in a fire brigade.
I have formed close bonds and friendships over the years.
It is a really great place to be.
Being in the CFA is a little more time-consuming now than when I first started, as I am now in a leadership role.
Do you have a message for residents as we head into summer and the fire season?
My message for the community leading into the fire season is don’t be complacent.
Don’t leave it too late to act if you are on the urban fringe and there is a grass fire.
Move one to two streets back from the fire’s edge until the fire has passed, and then it will be safe to return to your home.
Also, remember not to choke up the streets as emergency services will need to make their way to the emergency.
