Eastwood Fire Brigade turns 100
Published: 9th May 2014
Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Commissioner Greg Mullins today joined firefighters and community representatives to celebrate Eastwood Fire Brigade's 100th anniversary.
Commissioner Mullins said Eastwood Fire Brigade’s centenary celebration represented an important milestone for the community.
"It is an opportunity to thank all of the firefighters, past and present, who have served the Eastwood community with such commitment and integrity over the years," Commissioner Mullins said.
"Our firefighters have been protecting Eastwood and the surrounding communities since a volunteer brigade was formed in 1914.
"The brigade's first fire station was based at an old drill hall on Railway Pde. Eventually, and after much lobbying by the community, a proper fire station was established on Rowe St.
"In the early days of the brigade, one of the biggest issues the six volunteer firemen faced was the terrain. Each time there was a fire they had to haul a 356kg hose reel up and down the area’s hilly streets. That would have been very difficult.
"It wasn’t until the new fire station on Rowe St was built that a motorised fire engine was allocated to the Eastwood Fire Brigade.
"For the past 100 years, firefighters from this station have responded to major incidents from industrial fires and residential fires to serious road accidents.
"Today, the 38 permanent firefighters stationed at Eastwood have modern fire engines and the latest in equipment and technology to ensure the safety and protection of the local community," Commissioner Mullins said.
Eastwood firefighters responded to nearly 1761 fire and emergency calls last financial year and conducted more than 330 community education and engagement activities.