CFA Assistant Chief Officer South East Region Trevor Owen is not one to shy away from the line of duty, jumping in to help out with a house fire in his region yesterday (21 September) afternoon.
Although Mr Owen’s role does not traditionally see him fighting fires, this is not the first time he has offered up his assistance.
At around 4pm CFA firefighters were called out to a Maffra home on Carpenter Street.
Both volunteer and career firefighters were on the scene and had the fire under control by around 4.40pm.
See video from ABC Gippsland.
Mr Owen said protection of life and property was the main focus.
“It’s important that as CFA members, regardless of our position, we never lose sight of why we’re here,” Mr Owen said.
“I had no hesitation in helping out by putting on Breathing Apparatus (BA) and joining in the search and suppression effort.
“It's great to remain connected with our frontline and appreciate the challenges they face on the fireground on a daily basis.
"Having joined Maffra Brigade for BA skills maintenance late last year and recently receiving another invitation to join the brigade in another training opportunity, it was easy to put past training into practice and help out at the real thing.
“When it comes down to it, I'm an operational firefighter performing the role of Assistant Chief Officer. Being on the end of the hose, wearing BA or operating the pump comes as naturally as my day to day job.
"It was a job well done to all who attended. It makes me proud to see our members come together and work as a high performing team in the interests of protecting our communities."
Fire investigators are looking into the cause.
Thirteen CFA trucks from Maffra, Boisdale, Newry, Sale, Stratford, Tinamba and Traralgon attended, alongside police, ambulance and gas and electrical specialists.
Author: CFA Media