Yarrambat CFA has marked the 25th anniversary of its fire station with a day of celebration and the official opening of a new firefighter turnout room.
The community celebrated together on Sunday 22 February, touring the new space, fire trucks and meeting local firefighters.
Yarrambat CFA captain Andrew Napoleone said the turnout room, funded by the state government, provides a clean space for firefighters to change.
“It’s a huge improvement for the Yarrambat Fire Brigade from where we’ve come from the old pegs on the wall to lockers, to now a purpose built room,” he said.
“It’s got positive pressure air so it filters the air and the smell from the stale jackets.
“Everyone’s gear is all ready to go, lined up and fresh, it is easier to put on and safer than changing between the trucks.”
Mr Napoleone said the brigade has been particularly busy this summer, so speeding up turnout times is important.
“We’ve done five deployments on strike teams around the state, along with our local response,” he said.
“It is a lot of work but that is just the dedication we have here with the members, their employers let them have the time off to go on a three or four day deployment.”
He said the volunteers are grateful to the members of the public who find ways to help during busy periods.
“On busy days during the season, members of the public and local businesses find ways to donate, help or show their support,” Mr Napoleone said.
“The community has responded well to this demanding fire season; eight young adults, most of them local, have applied to become volunteer firefighters.
“While we assess and begin training new volunteers, we remind the community that this summer bushfire season is definitely not over.”
