VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE

Volunteer Fire Brigade

Australia is a country that relies heavily on volunteers for much of its community service. Local men and women who come together to provide a better and safer community for all who live there.

Being one of the driest places on the planet, Australia is prone to regular bushfires and the damage they cause. Many more lives, homes and businesses would have been lost if it wasn’t for the community members who volunteer for both town and bush brigades.

And Katanning is no different. One of the earliest major fires in the town was the complete destruction of the original Katanning Hotel, with the loss of an infant life on 23 January, 1897. The hotel was a single storey weatherboard building built by Frederick Piesse and leased by John Cook. At that point in time there was no local fire brigade and members of the community tried in vain to put the fire out by hand and with limited water resources.

Today, the town is well served by both a volunteer town brigade, supported by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, as well as a number of strategically placed bush fire groups throughout the district.

Below are a number of newspaper reports chronicling the history of the volunteer fire brigade in Katanning.

Volunteer Fire Brigades.

Great Southern Herald
20 August 1919 (p2)

Dispensing with the services of the volunteer superintendent is causing some indignation with governing bodies. The Mayor of Subiaco telegraphed a few days ago to the Cue-Day Dawn Road Board “The Fire Brigades Board had dispensed with the services of the volunteer superintendent, and there was a danger of the volunteer system going out of all fire stations. With the knowledge we have here we are certain the retention of the volunteer superintendent is essential. Have we your support strongly urging re-reinstatement. Consult brigade in your district.”

The Board replied: “Local brigades strongly resent Fire Brigade Board’s action in dismissing the superintendent. Strongly support your action urging the reinstatement of superintendent. Volunteer brigades are essential to country districts.”

Now that a movement is afoot for the establishment of a volunteer fire brigade in Katanning it would be well for those concerned to know exactly where they are, and under what authority the proposed brigade would be working. Possibly this information may be obtained while the fire brigades’ representative is in town.

Volunteer Fire Brigade
AT KATANNING.

Great Southern Herald
23 August, 1919 (p2)

On Tuesday night in the Town Hall, Katanning a meeting, convened by the Road Board, was held to discuss the formation of a Volunteer Fire Brigade in Katanning, and to enrol members. Mr. R. L. Richardson, Chairman of the Road Board, in introducing Superintendent Lapsley. of the Perth Fire Brigade, and of the State Fire Board, stated their visitor had come to Katanning to explain the working of a Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Katanning had been declared a Fire Brigade District under the Act, and it was necessary now to form a Brigade. That portion of the town served by three-inch water mains would be included in the Fire Brigade Area.

Whilst the formation of a fire brigade would entail an expense on the ratepayers, it would have to be borne in mind that a direct benefit would be received, quite apart from the security against loss of life or property by fire that a brigade would ensure, in as much as all fire insurance premiums would be reduced by about 50 per cent.

Superintendent Lapsley, who was warmly greeted, expressed his pleasure at being in Katanning and at meeting the people present. He thought there could not have been many fires lately in the town, otherwise a better meeting would have resulted, as burnt out adults were like burnt out children, they dreaded the fire, and would have been glad to help in measures preventing further fires.

Years ago, the position of a fireman was different from that of today. Then they had to buy their own equipment, now an Act of Parliament provides that those benefiting by the existence of a brigade have to pay a proportion of the expenses. Brigade men have not to put their hands in their pockets at all as the Fire Board provides everything except competition gear, and it helps towards that to the extent of £20 annually, and at the time of the annual demonstrations, held at Easter, it pays all fares to and from the place of demonstration.

It would be useless to try to form a volunteer brigade if the men had to be pressed into it, and he was there to obtain volunteers.

It was a noble thing to be engaged in the saving of life, possibly, as well as property. He did not think enough honor was given to fireman, but the day was not distant when it would be. The Board insured each fireman against accident or death where by, in the case of the former, he drew accident pay, or in the latter £400 would be paid to his next-of-kin. To form a brigade in Katanning, twenty efficient men were wanted between the ages of 19 and 45, or over that age at option of the Board.

There was much valuable property in Katanning  and many valuable lives, the saving of which would be in the hands of the Volunteer Fire Brigade. In his opinion all who could, should sign on. The Board would provide quarters until a house was built, and a reel and bell would be sent down. A suitable dwelling place for the caretaker had been shown him,

the Government cottage right opposite the hall in Taylor Street, which would be given to either the captain of the brigade or some member free of rent, conditionally that someone was always there night or day to ring the bell in case of an alarm.

There was land attached to the cottage on which a station could be built, and the position was a most suitable one. As regards cost, the estimate of £800 included a building at £500, the money for which was lent by the Board at 6 ½ per cent, being 4 per cent interest and 2 1/2 per cent sinking fund. At the start of a brigade, £150 had to be spent on a reel, hose, uniforms and ladders, the yearly maintenance being about £100, of which the Board granted an annual honorarium of £20. In Katanning there were several experienced fire men, who he knew personally, Mr. Herbert Matthews was one, an experienced and capable man whom he would like to see elected captain.

The two main officers in a brigade were the captain and secretary, and with good men in these positions the success of a brigade was assured. Under the Act, the Road Board had power to appoint a Fire Brigade Committee, generally the town members of the Board, but they had no authority to interfere with the working of a brigade, and could only advise, but they could do a great deal to assist without interference.

In answer to a question by Mr, F. M. Gare, the Superintendent stated it was compulsory for a brigade to train at least once a month, but most brigades met every week, three times a month for practice and once for business. To Mr. Cory, he said that in the case of uninsured buildings requiring the services of the brigade, a charge was made for same by the Central Board.

In response to the call for volunteers the following names were given in:
Messrs. H. Matthews, R. J. Fidock, A. R. Dennis, W. G. Lewis, A. J. Tapper, J. M. Elliott, C. F. Williams, H. M. Blee, H. C. Keay, J. Toms, V. C. Crouch, G. H. Wise, A. L. Gilbert, J. Coventry, O. A. Overington, S. W. Sandells, R. Maunder, N. E. Drew, E. F. F. Fleay, H. H. Strettell, S. W. Gilbert. On the motion of Mr. Tapper, seconded by Mr. Williams, Mr. W. G. Lewis was elected secretary.

Mr. F. M. Gare moved a vote of thanks to the Superintendent for the capable manner in which he had outlined the Volunteer Fire Brigade movement and felt assured of its success in Katanning; which was seconded and and carried by acclamation. The meeting closed with a few remarks from the Superintendent returning thanks for his reception.

Katanning Fire Brigade.

Great Southern Herald
28 January, 1920

On Saturday night the members of the Katanning Fire Brigade had their first call to duty, and within a few minutes of the time the warning bell rang there was a good muster at Wills and Co’s. store where the equipment is kept. The reel was brought out and run down smartly to the Exchange Hotel, but on arrival it was found that the fire was confined to a chimney, which was spouting flames and at times looked like endangering the whole building.

Under the direction of the Captain, Mr. A. Tapper, several members of the brigade scaled the roof to prevent any danger from the huge sparks that were falling thickly, whilst the fire was attacked from inside. In a short time, with the aid of fire extinguishers the danger was averted with no damage beyond a badly messed up kitchen.

Although, happily, there was not much need of alarm, it is pleasing to record the smart attendance of the members of the brigade, and the promptness with which they tackled the work before them, giving evidence of what they could do should occasion arise.

Katanning Fire Brigade.

Great Southern Herald
24 January, 1920

During the discussion which arose at last Saturday’s meeting of the Road Board in connection with the correspondence received from the secretary of the Fire Underwriters’ Association, in reply to the Board’s request that Katanning be re-classified with reference to fire insurance rates, and which they refused to recommend until the local fire brigade attained the standard of efficiency required by the Chief Officer of Fire Brigades.

Mr. J. Mouritz reported that he had witnessed a recent practice by the members of the brigade, and, after two attempts, he was surprised to find that the force of water obtained near the police station was not strong enough to throw the stream above the electric light wires. He pointed out that this state of affairs would be useless in respect to a fire breaking out in some of the larger buildings of Katanning, and he asked if the Board had been assured that the force of water obtainable from the present scheme would be sufficient to cope with the demands in case of an outbreak of fire.

Mr. McLeod stated that he understood that expert information had been obtained previous to establishing the brigade, and he thought there must be something wrong. He then moved that the local fire brigade be asked to confer with the Board and prove that the present facilities would warrant the requirements of the brigade in time of need.

Also, that a copy of the letter received from the Underwriters’ Association be sent to the Fire Brigades’ Board asking if the plant was up-to-date, and what extra appliances would be necessary. Also, for a copy of the Inspector’s report to be sent to the Road Board Office.

Long Service.

Southern Districts Advocate
21 January, 1929

The local road board has received intimation from the Chiefs office, that Firemen G. E. Meyers and W. McGuckin have qualified for long service awards and asking the board to arrange for the presentation of same. It is possible the presentation will be made at the opening of the new fire station. This function has been fixed for the 5th Feb.

Katanning Volunteer Fire Brigade.
OFFICIAL OPENING OF NEW STATION.

Katanning Fire Station c1929

Great Southern Herald
9 February, 1929

Towards the end of 1928, additions and improvements to the Katanning Fire Station, representing an expenditure of £660 were completed, and the local Volunteer Fire Brigade were given a headquarters of which they have every reason to be proud. The official opening was deferred until Tuesday evening last, when a representative gathering of townsmen, Road Board members and officials of the W.A. Fire Brigade Board, including Chief Officer Lambourne and Mr. Critchley took part in one of the most pleasant smoke socials held in this town for a considerable time.

The Improvements, which were declared officially open by Mr. Critchley, comprised a new substantial brick front, extending to the level of the footpath, handsome sliding main wooden doors, concrete floor, motor inspection pit, new sleeping out quarters for three men, new bath room containing porcelain bath and two showers, new fireplug laid from front main to back yard for practice purposes, hose washing trough 50 feet long, steel bell tower, 55 feet high, with a 20 ft. platform for drying hoses and a light hose reel built to order to replace the old  machine.

In the main hall, five tables accommodated some 60 guests and the hosts in full uniform. All the fire-fighting appliances were spick and span and the walls of the enlarged room were decorated with the town colours, blue and red. The tables were artistically laid out and attention to all details proved that the local Fire Brigades men had spared no pains to make the occasion a memorable one.

The evening was interspersed with musical items contributed by the Katanning Quartette, Messrs. W. J. Cobb, F. J. Goote. W. P. Bird and C. J. Gunter, songs by Mr. Cobb, Mr. Pearce and recitations and monologues by Mr. A. V. McShane. The items rendered being of a particularly high order. The function started with a swing and continued until shortly after 11 p.m., when the company dispersed, well satisfied with the evening’s enjoyment.

During the evening, Mr. Lambourne made several interesting references to Brigade matters. He emphasised the necessity of installing fire plugs when water schemes were first put down and contended that this was a matter for the Government and not for local governing bodies. He recalled that quite recently in the metropolitan area some nine miles of water mains had been laid without one single fire plug and crowned his remarks by stating that a measure was now before Parliament to rectify the matter right throughout the State.

In proposing the toast of the local Fire Brigade Mr. Lambourne stated that he was placed in an invidious position as he was really a member of that body. A voice. “then get up and propose your own health.” Continuing, the speaker outlined the successes won by Western Australian Brigades in the interstate competitions and emphasised the desirability of sending the local Brigade to Ballarat next year to participate. The cost of the trip, he said, would be to the region of £300.

Later in the evening Mr. Lambourne presented two long service badges to Messrs. W. P. McGuckin and George Myers of the Katanning Brigade. He recalled an incident of 27 years ago, when he and Mr. Myers, both brigades’ men, took part in a struggle against a terrific underground fire at Broken Hill in which three men lost their lives.

During the evening the following toasts, accompanied by musical honours, were honoured:
“The King”: proposer, the Chairman (Mr. Geo. McLeod); “The Visitors,” coupled with the name of Chief Officer Lambourne: proposer, The Chairman, seconder, Mr. A. G. Hobbs, response by Mr. Critchley, representative of the Fire Brigades Board and Fire Brigades Association; “Parliament,” coupled with the name of the Member for the District, Mr. A. Thomson, M.L.A., proposer, Mr. S. Kemble, response, Mr. A. Thomson; “Local Governing Body”: proposer, Mr. Lambourne, response, Mr. W. J. Rogers;

“Local Fire Brigade”: proposer, Mr. Lambourne. response, Mr. A. Wilson (Captain) and Mr. I. Synnott (Boards Representative); “Katanning Silver Band”: Proposer, Mr. J. J. Old, response, Mr. A. F. Watts; “The Press”: proposer, Mr. W. E. Richmond, response, Mr. Doak (Advocate) and Mr. H. W. Baker (Great Southern Herald; “The Artists”: proposer, Mr. W, F. McGuckin, response, Mr. W. J. Cobb; “The Chairman”: proposer, Mr. Lambourne, response, Mr. Geo. McLeod.

VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADES
Demonstration at Albany.
Katanning Represented.

Great Southern Herald
22 April, 1933

The annual Easter Demonstration of State Volunteer Brigades was conducted at Albany during the Easter vacation and concluded on Monday. Although the weather was threatening at times the entire programme was carried through without interruption from rain.

The Katanning brigade, which had been training for several months, was unable to send a thoroughly representative team, being two short of the quota required for a number of events. Seven firemen, however, entered the contest and in spite of the odds, acquitted themselves remarkably well. They were Messrs B. McGuckin, Frank Armstrong, W. Blythe, K. Cruickshanks, Bowie Tanner, Ron Keay, and Jack Armstrong.

Competition for the title of Champion Brigade was keen and interest ran high toward the end of the series when Geraldton held a slight lead over Guildford with Kellerberrin close up. Success in the last few events on Tuesday gave the title to Guildford by a point and a half over Geraldton.

Fred McGovern, who received his training with the Katanning brigade some years ago, won the ladder race in the record time of 6 1/5th seconds. He also gained the distinction of being runner-up to the champion fireman, Jenkins, of Northam.

A fine programme of entertainment was provided by the hosts and visiting firemen and officers commented enthusiastically upon the success of the demonstration.

Hard Knocks.
Competitors take some hard knocks in the course of Fire Brigade demonstrations. Apart from a fireman who almost lost an ear when he was struck by portion of a hose reel, there was a man who was run over by his own reel, while barked shins caused by mishaps in ladder races were legion. At one time a ladder man caught the full force of the jet from his own hose in his ear, and, judging from his antics, it hurt quite a lot.

Humour also abounds, especially when the track is as close to the spectators as it was at Albany. It is natural that jets of water should go astray in the excitement of the competition, and many an unwary spectator suffered a splendid ducking through being in the line of fire. The Albany Volunteer Fire Brigade Band suffered an interruption to its musical efforts when a split connection directed a stream of water amongst the instrumentalists.

Officers Visit Katanning.
Last week, two Fire Commissioners from New South Wales, Officers Baker and Douglas, visited Katanning and inspected the local fire station. They commented very favourably on the situation, equipment and general appearance of the station. On Thursday Chief Officer Connolly and two members of the State Fire Brigades Board visited the town and after conferring with officers of the local Brigade, also inspected the station.

Katanning Fire Brigade c 1949
Back Row: Penny Mosscroft, Eric Quartermaine, Doug Meyn, Lloyd Treloar,
Alf Quartermaine, Barry Pollard, Wally Tanner.
Front Row: Neville Phillips, Minna Hanna, Warren Templeman, Ray Hastie,
Les Justins, Ernie Justins.

Katanning Fire Brigade
CAPTAIN HONOURED

Great Southern Herald
2 January 1948 – P2

Past and present members of the Katanning Volunteer Fire Brigade gathered in the Masonic Hall on Tuesday, December 22, to congratulate and commend Mr Scott Wilson on the completion of 20 years’ service as Captain of the Brigade. Visitors from the city to attend the function were Mr Rosser, Inspecting Officer of the West Australian Fire Brigades Board and Mr Spencer, a member of the same Board.

During the evening Mr Spencer proposed the toast to Mr Wilson and Mr Tom Stayt, who acted as chairman, presented Scott with a wristlet watch as a mark of appreciation from members and ex-members. The evening proved to be one of great conviviality.

FIRE BRIGADE CONTEST
KATANNING WINS “B” GRADE

Great Southern Herald
2 April 1948 – P3

At the annual Fire Brigade Demonstration, held this year at Geraldton, the Katanning team, captained by Len Mosscrop, won the “B” Grade section. It is the first time that the competitions have been divided into two grades, the innovation providing a far better basis of competition for teams from country areas. The “A” grade division was won by Bassendean with 36 points from Norseman 17- Runners-up in the “B” grade were Meekatharra with 14 points.

Details of events in which the Katanning team competed were not available at time of going to press, but results will be published in our next issue.

LONG SERVICE AWARDS

The granting of Long. Service awards to Volunteer Firemen was approved last week, local recipients being: 10 years, Ivan Thomas; 7 years, E. J. McEvoy, and L. K. Treloar.

FIRE BRIGADE DEMO
RESULTS OF EVENTS

Great Southern Herald
9 April 1948 – P4

The forty-fifth Annual Demonstration of Volunteer Fire Brigades was held in Geraldton during the Easter weekend. In all, 28 teams participated and for the first time a number of teams were specially catered for with “B” grade events. From all reports this innovation has proved outstandingly successful and will probably be continued at future demonstrations.

The Katanning team was successful in winning the “B” grade section with a total of 16 points. Closely following was Meekatharra with 14 points and in third place was another Great Southern team, Narrogin with 11 points.

Results of the events in which Katanning participated are shown below:
Ladder Straight (1 man): In this event Katanning won in the first and second draws by defeating Wagin in 7.4 sees and Leonora in 7.5 secs. In the second round, however, Katanning was eliminated by Albany which registered 7.2 sees. In the final of this event Fireman Cottrell of Norseman was the winner of the event in the record time of 6.6 sees.
Hydrant Race (1 man): Katanning, in this event was beaten in both the first and second draws by Merredin and York.
Hose and Ladder (1 man): Toodyay beat Katanning in the first draw and Coolgardie beat Katanning in the second draw.
Disabled Hose Practice (6 men), “B” Grade (32.9 sees ): Wagin, 35-5sec, 1; Katanning, 35 9 sec., 2; Leonora, 36 sec., 3.
“Y” Coupling and Ladder (8 men), “B” Grade (37-3 sees.): Katanning, 41.9 sec, 1; Beverley, 45-1 sec, 2; Narrogin, 45.6 sec, 3.
Hose and Ladder Practice (3 men), “B” Grade (22-6 sees-): Busselton, 24.1 sec., 1; Meekatharra, 24-4 sec., 2; Katanning, 24.7 sec., 3.
Hose and Ladder, (5 men), “B” Grade, (22.9 sees.) : Katanning, 23.8 sees, 1; Meekatharra, 24 sec., 2; Merredin, 24-7 secs, 3.
The time given after “B” Grade in each event is the time recorded by the winning team in the “A” grade section.

“Scot” Wilson-One of the Old School
Recognition Made of Service to the Community

Great Southern Herald
26 November, 1954

Recently retired captain of the Katanning Volunteer Fire Brigade, Mr A. S. “Scot” Wilson, was the guest-of-honour at a dinner tendered by the Katanning Road Board on Saturday last, when’ speakers warmly commended him on the wonderful record of service he had performed for the community. Appreciation in a tangible form was given in a wallet of notes presented Mr Wilson on behalf of the Katanning business houses.

The complimentary dinner was held in the Katanning Hotel and attended by the chairman and members of the Katanning Road Board; Mr H. N. Wells, president Katanning Chamber of Commerce; Mr H. R. Irvine, president, W. A. Fire Brigades Board; Mr T. Carlisle, president of the Volunteer Fire Brigades Association and a representative of the Volunteers on the Fire Brigade Board; Mr S. J. Prunster, representative of country Local Governing Authorities on the W. A. Fire Brigades Board; Mr B.. Justins, and Mr N. Phillips captain and secretary respectively of the Katanning volunteer Fire Brigade.

After extending a welcome to the visitors whose presence must have been most gratifying to the Mr Wilson, and congratulating the new Brigade captain, Mr S. Kemble proposed the principal toast of the evening, that of Mr A. S. Wilson.

He said he was pleased to do honour to such an outstanding citizen whose twenty-seven years of service, in his important position, was well worthy of every show of appreciation by the people of Katanning. Mr Wilson had been an outstanding worker for Katanning, but, because of his retiring nature, the public knew little about him. His ability had resulted in the Brigade always being right on the job when the call came.

Mr H. R. Irvine said it was a great honour to be associated with the toast as Mr Wilson was an outstanding man who belonged to “the old school”. He had the interest of his job at heart and had always given of his best in the rendering of a very fine public service.

Also supporting the toast Mr H. O. Wanke, last retiring president of the Katanning Chamber of Commerce, said he spoke as an old friend who had known “Scot” for many years. Mr Wilson had the reputation of always being on the job when called upon be it for a fire or in his private occupation.

Responding, Mr Wilson thanked the Road Board for the function and expressed his appreciation on the attendance of the visiting officers. He claimed a captain did not make a brigade and whereas Katanning had not enjoyed much success at demos, the members had done the job they were supposed to do and had always protected the property of townspeople. The brigade had always provided an efficient service and he expressed his appreciation for the loyal co-operation and assistance he had received from officers and firemen. During the period he had been captain, several hundred firemen had passed through the brigade. They had all been a fine lot of chaps who had done what they were told and abided by the rules, so resulting in good discipline within the Brigade. It had been a pleasure to be associated with them.

Mr Wilson spoke on the improvement to fire fighting equipment over the years and said the present gear would be effective for many years and until such time as the town had a decent water supply. The town had grown considerably with a great increase in the fire risk. However, the brigade had been fortunate, and he hoped they would be lucky in the future; and not have any big fires. Concluding, he extended his best wishes to the new captain and foreman, Ernie Justins and Barry Pollard, and hoped they would receive the same help from the brigade and the town as he had during his term of office. If the new captain received the same co-operation, he would do as good a job. He wished him a long and successful term as captain.

WALLET PRESENTED
President of the Katanning Chamber of Commerce, Mr H. N. Wells, thanked the Board for the function and making it possible for the town’s business houses to be represented. He stated all should realise the great job the brigade had done for the business section of the town in providing protection and keeping insurance rates down. Under Scot Wilson, the town had had a very efficient service and it would not have been possible to maintain discipline over the period had not the boys “been on his side”. He felt sure the period of service must be a record for a voluntary brigade.

Mr Wells said he was pleased to say 99 percent of the business houses has regarded the presentation to Scot a most worthy object and it was his pleasure to present the guest of honour with a token of appreciation in the form of a wallet of notes. The wallet carried a silver plate inscribed:

“To Captain Wilson from the business houses of
Katanning in appreciation of services given”.

In accepting the presentation, Mr Wilson said it had come as a surprise and he appreciated very much the action of the business houses. It was nice to know one’s services had been appreciated and shown in a tangible form. His services had been given willingly and not only had he enjoyed every minute of it, but he was happy to be of service to the town. He concluded by again thanking the business houses for the presentation.

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE GIVEN
Vice-chairman of the Katanning Road Board, Mr E. A. Clegg, in proposing the toast to the W. A. Fire Brigades Board and the Katanning Volunteer Brigade said the voluntary movement provided a service not possible to obtain from a Government controlled organisation. In Katanning, the local brigade had both enthusiasm and efficiency, and had always done a good job.

Supporting the toast, Mr T. Carlisle said to the best of his knowledge Mr Wilson’s period of service as captain for twenty-seven years was a record in W.A., and an achievement of which one could be very proud. He had been recognised as one of the finest captains in the movement. He considered the voluntary work of the brigades a fine one as a person could do no greater service than to serve his fellow man. In concluding, Mr Carlisle expressed appreciation of the Katanning Road Board’s interest in the brigade and stated the task would be easier if other Road Boards displayed as much support.

Support to the toast was also given by Mr F. I. Synnott, who stated the town, as a whole, owed a great debt to the Katanning Volunteer Fire Brigade. Not only did its existence reduce insurance rates but its efficiency provided something far more essential – protection from actual loss by fire.

In responding to the toast, Mr S. J. Prunster said it was unique for a Road Board to honour the Fire Brigades Board or a member of a brigade, and the action was very greatly appreciated. Mr Wilson’s record of service had been a very fine effort and he considered there were few of the “old school” left. He concluded his remarks by extending his best wishes to the new captain.

The remarks were supported by Mr E. Justins who thanked the Road Board for the evening and stated he was pleased that the guest-of-honour was continuing as a brigade member. He also expressed the Brigade’s appreciation for the Road Board’s assistance in putting down the new training track. The evening was concluded by a toast to the chairman proposed by Mr H. R. Irvine.

Fire Station in Safe Hands

Great Southern Herald
25 June 2020 – By Liam Croy

After more than three decades as the captain of Katanning Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Trevor Watson will leave the role with the sights and sounds of his town’s biggest bushfire emergency fresh in his memory. Reflecting on his time at the helm of Katanning VFRS last week, Mr Watson said the moment when the bushfire hit the western edge of town on February 8 was the most unnerving of his career. “I was thinking, 30 years I’ve been doing this and I’m about to watch it all burn,” he said. Mr Watson will hand over the captaincy to 31-year-old Chris Brooks on July 1.

Chris Brooks (left) will take over from Katanning
VFRS Captain, Trevor Watson
Photo: Liam Croy – Great Southern Herald

After more than three decades as the captain of Katanning Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Trevor Watson will leave the role with the sights and sounds of his town’s biggest bushfire emergency fresh in his memory. Mr Watson, 56, said he had never seen anything like the bushfire that forced the evacuation of Katanning on February 8 – and he hoped his crew would never see anything like it again.

Reflecting on his time at the helm of Katanning VFRS last week, Mr Watson said the moment when that fire hit the western edge of town was the most unnerving of his career. “I was thinking 30 years I’ve been doing this and I’m about to watch it all burn,” he said. “You can only do what you can do and save what you can save and it was hard to even see where it was. You were in the smoke, it was hard to see what was on fire and it was over the road and into the houses.”

As the dust settled after the February bushfire emergency, it became clear the volunteers, water bomber pilots and Department of Fire and Emergency Services coordinators had done a herculean job. Only one home had been lost. A DFES assessment estimated firefighters had saved more than 200 buildings, including 43 homes. Unlike the vast majority of call-outs, the Katanning crew did not feel they had control of a situation of such magnitude.

“We have plenty of different challenges – we had the boy in the chimney not too long ago which was a different challenge, but it was a challenge where we had control of the scene,” he said. “When you don’t have any control, it makes it a totally different thing for us. We were all out doing what we could do and you have to hope for the best and hope for a bit of luck at the end of the day.”

Mr Watson, a mechanic by trade and maintenance supervisor with CBH, joined Katanning VFRS in 1983. He will officially hand over the captaincy to his first lieutenant Chris Brooks on July 1. He said he would stay in the brigade after he steps down as captain, but he had full confidence in the next generation of leaders. The brigade was always looking for new members, whether they stayed for one year or 30, he said.

As a fire and rescue service, the team did more than put out fires. It was inevitable that a long-term volunteer would have to attend a crash where they had some connection to a victim.

Katanning VFRS’ Blake Anderson, Damon Powell,
Aron Burnett, Fin Leach and captain Trevor Watson
after February’s bushfire emergency.

“Over time, the reality is you’re going to have people you know involved in the things you have to go and deal with, which is probably a bit more of a stress on the guys,” he said. “But the organisation’s gone a long way towards looking after volunteers better mental-health wise.”

Mr Brooks, who at 31 is already a life member of 15 years, said he would do his best to follow the example Mr Watson had set. “He’s a role model without even knowing it,” Mr Brooks said. “The way he does things is just amazing. If you see him walk through the door you chill out because you know everything’s going to be fine.”

THE HISTORY OF FIREFIGHTING

From: Firefighter Foundation

The modern day Fire Brigade has evolved following many years of development and improvements since almost pre-history. From the time man discovered fire, he has also battled to control the flames. The history of the firefighter began in ancient Rome while under the rule of Augustus in the 3^rd Century. Prior to that, there is evidence of fire-fighting in use in Ancient Egypt.

The first Roman fire brigade was created by Marcus Licinius Crassus. He took advantage of the fact that Rome had no firefighters. Crassus creating his own brigade of 500 firefighters who rushed to burning buildings at the first cry for help. Upon arriving at the fire, the firefighters did nothing while their Crassus bargained over the price of their services with the property owner. If Crassus could not negotiate a satisfactory price, the firefighters simply let the structure burn to the ground.

In AD 60 Emperor Nero formed a group of firefighters called the Vigiles to combat fires using water buckets and pumps. The Vigiles patrolled the streets of Rome to watch for fires and served also as a police force. When there was a fire, the firefighters would line up to the nearest water source and pass buckets hand in hand to the fire. Continue reading

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