The brand new, integrated South Warrandyte Fire Station officially opened on 24 April.
The state-of-the-art station is fully equipped to serve the community 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
South Warrandyte is one of CFA’s 35 integrated stations, with 25 career firefighters and 40 volunteer members making up the brigade.
Over 100 people came out to witness the official opening including Minister for Emergency Service James Merlino, Member for Eastern Metropolitan Shaun Leane and friends and family of firefighters and the local community.
CFA Chair Greg Smith attended the event and spoke about the benefits of integrated brigades as they can alleviate the pressure on volunteers.
“Having career firefighters based at the station 24 hours a day takes the pressure off South Warrandyte’s 40 volunteers, their employers and, most importantly, their families,” Mr Smith said.
“An integrated brigade is a united force of professional emergency responders, and this new facility offers better training and development opportunities for members of South Warrandyte and surrounding brigades.”
Operations Officer Jamie Hansen said the with increasing demand on the volunteers the concept of integrating the fire station was approved under Project 2016 Infrastructure Program.
“This is a brigade that in the true spirit of CFA has evolved over time to meet the changing needs of the community,” he said.
“I want to recognise the efforts of the station opening committee, the district staff and Acting OIC Chris Hall for putting the day together.”
South Warrandyte Fire Brigade respond to approximately 200 calls a year and with the addition of career firefighters, CFA expects that number to rise to around 400.
“With the addition of career firefighters the brigade has been able to turn out to more jobs including Emergency Medical Response,” he said.
“I commend the brigade on such a great transition into integrated operations.
“South Warrandyte has led a great example of how well this can work. The surrounding brigades have also supported this since day one.”
The $6.8 million building includes three drive-through bays for trucks, an area for protective equipment, training space, meetings rooms and living areas.
Author: CFA Media