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Fire Equipment Maintenance (FEM) is a vital fire prevention activity and an important income source for many CFA brigades.
Brigades providing FEM services visit businesses and facilities in their communities, checking fire extinguishers, fire blankets, fire hose reels and lay flat hose, ensuring they are maintained and ready to use in the event of an emergency.
This maintenance is legally required for building owners and occupiers and businesses pay a fee to have CFA complete this maintenance, with the funds reinvested into the brigade.
Queenscliff Fire Brigade reignited their FEM services last year and said the benefits were far reaching.
“For us, the benefits of providing FEM services in our community are three-fold: fundraising, community engagement and situational awareness,” 1st Lieutenant Paul Hicks said.
“Providing the service strengthens our ties with the community socially and economically.”
The brigade has used funds earned through FEM to upgrade or supplement their firefighting equipment.
“It also provides us with a solid economic base to finance any future needs,” Paul said.
"Every dollar we raise through FEM or donated by the community is invested back into the brigade to deliver the best outcome for members and our community.”
“Delivering FEM also plays a critical role in our community engagement efforts, allowing members to provide information, address concerns and promote fire safety while on site. That direct contact gives the community confidence in our brigade.
“By visiting local businesses and facilities we also gain valuable insight into each location, its fire protection systems and potential hazards.”
With more than 265 brigades and 1,350 accredited members statewide, the past year has been one of their busiest and most successful, with more than $3.8 million dollars raised.
Brigades use FEM revenue to fund equipment, vehicles, tools, building works, training and cultural activities. It also supplements applications under the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program.
CFA is encouraging more brigades to become involved with the FEM program to help them continue to provide the best outcomes to their communities.
More information can be found here.