THE volunteer members of the New Norfolk Fire Brigade have put in another busy year, responding to 301 callouts in the year to January 28, 2009. According to figures published on the brigade’s website today, the majority of calls (34 per cent) were to grass and scrub fires, while a further 32 per cent of callouts were false alarms.
With several days until the end of January, the local brigade has already responded to 33 callouts this month, including car accidents, grass and scrub fires and a structural fire, as well as providing support to nearby country brigades at incidents in their local areas.
New Norfolk is fortunate to have a highly-trained urban fire brigade under the leadership of brigade chief Colin Triffitt and his officers and members. Established 70 years ago, the brigade trains at 7pm every Tuesday at the fire station, Back River Rd, and new members are always welcome. For information about volunteering, send an email to: newnorfolk@fire.tas.gov.au
The Derwent Valley is also well served by fire brigades in several surrounding districts. For information about volunteering with the Collinsvale, Molesworth, Magra, Lachlan, Gretna, Bushy Park, Westerway, Ellendale, Hamilton, Hollow Tree, Ouse or Bothwell brigades phone 6230 8400 or email fire@fire.tas.gov.au
