The Basin Fire Brigade Community |
Nestled in the foothills of Mount Dandenong, 33 km to the east of Melbourne, The Basin is a mixture of urban and rural landscapes. As a result, The Basin Fire Brigade has to be prepared for a wide range of firefighting situations. (R) The Basin Farm & Dandenong Ranges National Park |
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Manned by volunteer men and women from The Basin community, the Fire Brigade is closely involved in the whole life of the community. Of our many activities, probably the most popular is delivering Santa and his bags o lollies around all The Basin streets on Christmas Eve. Santa and his helpers in 'The Ravine' area of The Basin |
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Summer bushfires (wildfires) are a constant threat in the half of The Basin where people live in the fringes of the forest. A big part of the Fire Brigade's work is teaching local residents how to defend themselves against the risk. Just 200 metres from where the above "Santa" photo was taken, this was the fatal bushfire of January 1997, and its barren aftermath on the following morning. |
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House fires are a major concern for all fire brigades. There is always the potential for harm to people, and the destruction of personal possessions can be devastating. Fortunately, quick response times by the Brigade and the fitting of smoke alarms has greatly reduced the damage caused by house fires. |
| Car fires are not common, but they are still a major hazard. Sometimes the fire happens as the result of an accident, more often from faulty wiring or engine faults. |  |
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Apart from fires, the brigade also deals with many other situations, often working alongside other emergency services. A common situation is a motor car accident where a person is trapped, fuel is spilled, or LP gas or hazardous materials are involved. The Basin Fire Brigade with State Emergency Service (Knox), Police, Ambulance, and Metropolitan Fire Brigade at a Colchester Road collision. |
| Vehicles are vital to the Fire Brigade's work and great pride is taken in our four appliances. These are: Two four-wheel drive tankers, the front-line in the fight against bushfires or house fires in those parts of The Basin and surrounding areas not served by fire hydrants, the 'Pumper" and a support vehicle. |
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 The pumper (above/below) first choice for structural fires and rescues. |
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(right) The Basin Support Vehicle, a Land Rover Defender, receives its Sunday morning wash from Mick Johnson. |
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(below left) April Dixon and Geoff Oliver
put a shine on Tanker 2.
(right) Our new Isuzu pumper arrived for Christmas 2004
