Brigade History

Orbost Fire Brigade was founded in 1919. The first captain being George Hodgson  assisted by Reg Macalister and fifteen members.

First appliance was hand Reel with 500 feet of hose  stored at the rear of the Shire Offices.

First Fire station built in 1922 in its present location in Gladstone Street.

The first motor vehicle issued to the brigade was a 1923 Dodge with 1000 feet of hose. This took place in 1933.

Two years later the Brigade was issued with a motor pumper. This was a four cylinder Dodge with a two stage centrifugal pump. It had a capacity of 150 gallons per minute.

The Brigade has had attended many incidents. These have been Structure fires, bush and scrub fires, Motor vehicle accidents, hazardous chemicals incidents,  flood and storm damage to name a few.

Major bush fires occur in area on a regular basis and cover up to 100,000 hectares.

The brigade averages between 50 and 70 call out per year. All members are volunteers. With approximately 25 members at any given time.

Area covered is both Urban and rural in nature and covers an area of 200 square kilometres. 500 square Kilometres when Forest area included.

Brigade supports outlying communities and neighbouring brigades at many incidents.

Since 1999 the Brigade has been involved in the Victorian Youth Development Program, which has 40 junior members aged 14 to 16 years. Who undertake leadership and Fire fighting training as part of the Secondary School curriculum. This has enabled the Orbost and surrounding brigades to recruit a number of trained young fire fighters.

Last modified : 6th July 2003
Site maintained by : Terry Hooper