The winds were blowing a gale but that didn’t stop visitors to the Taradale Open Day on Sunday October 30.
Guests were treated to a display of historical and current firefighting equipment including the old hose reel and their newest appliance Taradale 2, otherwise known as the ride on mower equipped with fire extinguisher!
Visitors were given a lesson on the importance of fire blankets and fire extinguishers. Although most of us have them in our homes we don’t have training in how to use them. Firefighter Lockie Elliot provided a demonstration and talk on how to use the vital pieces of equipment before the visitors were given the opportunity to use the blankets and extinguishers, quite a feat in the wind.
The Brigade also displayed its survival techniques by running burn over drills. This demonstrated to the public the benefit of our tankers not only as a mechanism for putting out fires but also for firefighter safety.
Not to be outdone Castlemaine and Maldon Brigades also had open days in October. Maldon had a Brigade visit from as far as Nagambie to see the display held at their station.
Castlemaine also took the opportunity to launch their historical display in the newly renovated shed at their Open Day. The display holds a multitude of items of historical importance including the Merryweather Hand Pumper, a variety of trophies and a Drop Flap Alarm, used in the days before Vicfire. The Brigade did a great job bringing together all the pieces for people to marvel at for many years to come.
Story by BASO Jay Gardiner
Author: District 2 News