Kurri
Kurri Fire Station Web Site
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Achieve Records from 2005On this page you will find news, events and stories from 2005. You can also find links to stories that were published in the Maitland Mercury. Santa Lolly Run 2005 - 18/12/2005 - Issued:11/12/2005 Use barbecues with care! - Issued: 17/11/2005 New Appliance Arrives - Issued: 17/10/2005 Fire Preparedness Information Day on 10/11/2005 - Issued: 27/10/2005 Major Emergency Fleet Training - Issued: 14/10/2005Summer Casts a Spell on Spring - Issued: 14/09/2005Fire Education a Hot Topic - Issued: 17/08/2005Long Service and Good Conduct Medals Awarded - Issued: 12/07/2005Kurri Kurri Fire Station Open Day - Issued: 07/05/2005Kurri Kurri Fire Brigade plans 100th birthday celebration - Issued: 25/01/2005
Santa Lolly Run 2005 - 18/12/2005Issued: 11/12/2005Santa will be joining local Firefighters on Sunday 18th December 2005 for the annual "Santa Lolly Run". The Jolly Red Man will be escorted by your local 'firies' starting from 2pm. Thanks to the support of the Kurri Kurri Lions Club, Kurri Bowling Club and Kurri Workers Club, Santa be handing out lollies to the children. Look out for the big red fire truck on Sunday Afternoon. Santa will be travelling through Cliftleigh, Heddon Greta, Stanford Merthyr, Pelaw Main, Kurri Kurri, Weston and Abermain. The Fire Truck will be making stops at the following locations to hand out lollies and so that Santa can pose with the children for photos.
If for any reason the Santa's Run is postponed then the boys at the Fire Station will come out on Christmas Eve to make sure the children don't miss out. The Fire Fighters from Kurri Kurri, Weston and Abermain Fire Stations wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas.
Use barbecues with care!Issued: 17/11/2005Fire officers from Kurri Kurri Fire Station are urging all householders and holiday makers to take precautions when using barbecues during the warmer months. Captain Ken Maxwell said as the weather got warmer, it was likely Kurri Kurri fire officers would be called to fires in the area started by improper use and lack of maintenance of barbecues. "Fire officers are often called to emergencies that could have been avoided if people had taken some basic precautions", Mr Maxwell said. "Fires associated with barbecues are no exception, and they can result in severe injury as well as extensive property damage." "Some of the causes for these fires are: owners don't properly maintain them or leave them outdoors, they don't check them for hazards, such as frayed hoses before using them or they pour petrol or kerosene on them to get them started." Mr Maxwell said some simple precautions could prevent fires and injury associated with gas, solid fuel (wood or heat bead) or electric barbecues. These include:
For further information and fact sheets on general barbeque safety go to the NSWFB web site at www.fire.nsw.gov.au. Contact: Ken Maxwell Kurri Kurri Fire Station Phone number: (02) 4937 1025
New Appliance ArrivesIssued: 17/10/2005Much needed piece of equipment arrives at Kurri KurriKurri Kurri Fire Brigade has just received its latest piece of fire fighting equipment a 1995 model Isuzu FTS 700 4X4 Tanker. The new addition is to increase the effectiveness of fire fighting in the township and protect the large amount of urban bushland interface properties within the Kurri Kurri Weston and Abermain area. Arriving in mid September training commenced immediately on all operation of the specialist 4WD appliance, giving the fire fighters from Kurri Kurri, Weston and Abermain a chance to hone their skills before the onslaught of summer. The Tanker has already been utilised successfully in gaining access to numerous grass and bushfires fires that would have before required additional help from either Cessnock or Maitland Fire Stations. With the resource based in the area of Kurri Kurri (which annually has a large amount of bush and grass fires) fire fighters have been able to knock out the seat of small fires before they grow larger without stretching other stations resources. The appliance has arrived just in the nick of time with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting a hot and dry fire season ahead with temperatures at the moment reaching above 30OC. The tanker has been designed to reach places that a normal 2WD Pumper cannot just like a 4 wheel drive car it has larger wheels, higher clearance, more torque and lower gear ratios to get to the places where fire fighters need to go. It came fully equipped with Chainsaw and Breathing Apparatus and carries 3000 litres of water with a fully integrated foam system which helps make the job easier. See Also: The Tanker Page
Fire Preparedness Information Day on 10/11/2005Issued: 27/10/2005Knowing what to do could save your home this summerAre you prepared?Summer is fast approaching and many people can’t wait to start enjoying fun in the sun. But there is also a serious side to summer, the threat of bush fires rises along with the temperature. Are you prepared? “Even if your home doesn’t back onto bush land your home is still at risk”. Said Ken Maxwell Captain of the Kurri Kurri Fire Brigade. “Burning embers from a bush fire can be carried by the wind right into town.” Firefighters have been preparing for summer but there are things that you need to do to prepare your home. “There is a range of things you can do such as cleaning out your gutters, removing any piles of weeds or rubbish that may have built up around the home” Said Captain Maxwell. “We would like to invite everyone to an information day to be held at the Kurri Kurri Fire Station”. Firefighters will be on hand to talk about the following topics:
The Information Day will be held at: Venue: Kurri Kurri Fire Station Address: 107 Lang Street Kurri Kurri Date: Thursday 10th November 2005 Time: 10 am and again at 7pm. Light refreshments will be provided. Everyone in the community from residents to business owners/operators are welcome to attend. Please note that children are welcome to attend but this not a display and children would more than likely get bored. “Please take the time now to be informed and prepared, don’t wait until the last minute” Said Captain Maxwell. “Knowing what to do could save your home this summer”
Major Emergency Fleet TrainingIssued: 14/10/2005Crews Receive Training on Major Emergency Fleet Training
On the 8th and 9th of October Crews from Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, and Maitland received training on the Mercedes Benz LA911B 4X4 Tanker. The training is part of a NSWFB program designed to train and familiarise local fire fighters in the operations of Major Emergency Fleet Vehicles (MEF) if diasters like the 2001 - 2002 bushfires should strike. Although the Mercedes Benz LA911B truck looks old and has seen just over 20 years of service it is surprising of what a fine piece of engineering they are and how well they drive off road. Small and robust they are a tuff piece of gear. The tankers are positioned in strategic locations and will be called into action if a major bushfires or emergencies should should occur. They come fully equipped and are well maintained. Below are some vehicle specifications and pictures for your perusal. See Also: The Tanker Page
Summer Casts a Spell on SpringIssued: 14/9/2005A taste of summer was experienced across NSW this week with warm North Westerly Winds and rising temperatures into the mid twenties and early thirties. Fire Fighters from Kurri prepared themselves for a taste of what summer might offer this season, attending 7 bush and scrub fire so far this month we were lucky they were all minor in nature. Although the Bureau of Metrology has predicted rain and that temperatures will drop by next week we are still are still preparing ourselves for a tough few months as the summer approaches. We remind people that the bush fire danger period has commenced and to take extra care with BBQs, campfires ect.
Fire Education - A Hot TopicIssued: 17/8/2005Local Firies Teach Kindergarten Students about Fire SafetyOver the next coming months kindergarten students from Kurri Kurri, Pelaw Main and Stanford Merthyr primary schools are getting taught all the basic principles of fire and fire safety. The NSWFB introduced the FireEd program about 3 years ago has has been received very positively throughout the community by both teaches and parents. Students are taught the differences between GOOD Fires and BAD Fires, the importance of not playing with fire and matches, what to do in case of a fire like ringing Triple 000 knowing where they live there address and closest cross street in case they have to ring 000. Stop Drop and Roll if there cloths catch on fire and Get Down Low and GO! GO! GO! if they are caught in a house fire.
Long Service and Good Conduct Medals AwardedIssued 12/7/2005Recognition for Kurri Kurri Fire Brigades longest serving members was received on Tuesday Night at the Kurri Kurri Workers Club, with Captain Ken Maxwell and Engine Keeper Paul Seagrave being the recipients of the New South Wales Fire Brigades re-introduction of the Long Service and Good Conduct Medals. Presented in good faith by Inspector Rob Lindsay on behalf of NSWFB Commissioner Greg Mullins the Medals acknowledge the gratitude and appreciation of the local community and the greater New South Wales community for their commitment to emergency services and their selfless sacrifices they have made. All the fire fighters and their families attended the function and gave homage as the fire fighters where presented these awards for service. The presentation night was not as much about receiving but more so of giving as the fire fighters presented a cheque for $3200 to Inspector Lindsay made out to the Children's Burn Unit at Westmead. The money which was raised a fun day organised by the fire fighters of Kurri Kurri earlier in the year. Pictures available at the Special Occasions Gallery
Kurri Kurri Fire Station Open DayAll Fired Up About Children's SafetyMedia Release: 07/05/2005 Issued By: Capt K. MaxwellSaturday 7 May 2005 is the NSW Fire Brigades’ (NSWFB) annual Open Day, with fire stations across the State opening their doors to the public between 10am and 2pm. Kurri Kurri Fire Brigade Station Commander Ken Maxwell invited residents to visit their local NSWFB fire station on 7 May to meet the fire officers, inspect the fire engines and get fire safety tips. Station Commander Ken Maxwell said Open Day this year would focus on children’s fire and household chemical safety as well as general home fire safety. “Unfortunately, NSWFB statistics show that kids under the age of five are more than twice as likely to die in a home fire than others,” Mr Maxwell said. “It is essential that all children know how to escape a fire and that they must leave the home, not just the room where the fire has started. Some kids think they will be safe by hiding under the bed or going to another room, but they’re not. “Parents should impress on kids that it is the toxic smoke that kills not the fire; and that they need to get out of the home fast and meet at a designated place outside, such as the letter box. “Create a home escape plan that shows two exits from each room where possible and a meeting place outside. Have regular fire drills with the family to reinforce the messages and rehearse the escape plan. “As you go through your plan with the entire family you may come across problems, such as the kids aren’t clear about what they need to do, or they go back for a pet or favourite toy.
“It’s better to iron out these problems during a drill than face a tragedy when confronted by a real emergency.” Mr Maxwell said children start more than 3000 fires each year in NSW, often not realising the danger to themselves and others. “Fascination with fire among kids is normal, but it can have devastating consequences if not managed properly. “Open Day is a great opportunity for the entire family to learn about how to protect each other, and parents can even learn how to discourage kids from playing with fire. “As well, we’ll be providing advice on how to store and use household chemicals safely to prevent children being poisoned or injured. “Families will also find out other essential fire safety information, such as installing smoke alarms and creating home escape plans.” NSWFB Commissioner Greg Mullins said Open Day was a unique chance to see what life was like at a fire station. “The role of a fire officer has developed over the years. They no longer just fight fires. They also rescue trapped people and animals, clean up hazardous materials spills, help the SES with disaster recovery after floods and storms, and conduct education programs,” Commissioner Mullins said. As part of Open Day, fire stations will put their equipment, including fire engines, on display. They will also give a free copy of the NSWFB fire safety CD-Rom, Brigade Kids, to the first 100 families. For more information on children’s fire and chemical safety, speak to your local fire station or download safety fact sheets from the NSWFB web site www.fire.nsw.gov.au. Contact: Ken Maxwell Kurri Kurri Fire Station Phone number: (02) 4937 1025
Kurri Kurri Fire Brigade plans 100th birthday celebrationMedia Release: 25/01/2005 Issued By: Capt K. MaxwellThe Kurri Kurri Fire Brigade celebrating it’s 100th birthday on Saturday 5 February 2005 and everyone is invited to the party! Kurri Kurri Station Commander, Captain Ken Maxwell, said plans for the 100th birthday bash were well underway, with many members of the community getting involved. “Because this is a celebration marking 100 years of the Kurri Kurri Brigade serving the community, we’d like the whole community to be a part of it,” Captain Maxwell said. The celebrations will start at 10.30 at the Fire Station in Lang St with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by The Hon Kerry Hickey MP. Then the Fire Station Mural will be unveiled by the NSW Fire Brigade Commissioner Greg Mullins AFSM. This will then be followed by a Parade at 11.00. The parade will consist of a variety of Fire Engines from over the last 100 years from a Hose Reel that they used in 1905 to an Isuzu Pumper that they use today. They will be accompanied by Past and Present Members of the Kurri Kurri Fire Brigade and also Marching and Pipe Bands. The parade travel down Lang and Barton Streets, then into Allworth St to the Kurri Kurri Football Ground. At the Football Ground the Fire Engines will be on Display along with entertainment, displays, children’s rides and Market Stalls. There will be singers and belly dancers, cheerleaders and martial arts demonstrations. A strong man will pull Kurri Kurri’s Fire Engine along all by himself, then after doing that will lift and roll a car! “We are hoping that everyone will join in the fun and have a great day” said Ken Maxwell The day will conclude with at Dinner dance at the Kurri Kurri Bowling Club. Tickets are on sale for the Fire Brigades Dinner Dance and are $30 each and are available by phoning 4937 1025 or 4937 2825. “We are also raising money for the NSW Fire Brigades favourite charity, the Burns Unit of the Westmead Children’s Hospital” said Ken “any contributions to this worthwhile cause will be appreciated”. The Kurri Kurri Brigade has also launched it’s own Web Site with information about the Celebrations, also lots and lots of information about brigades history, who they are and what they do. You can find out lots more by logging onto www.kurrikurrifirebrigade.com
Articles Published in the Maitland Mercury (external links)Joint Operation Targets Hunter Arson Hotspots 19/12/2005 newHeroic Neighbours Save man from Unit Fire 26/10/2005 Students Evacuated after Chemical Spill - 28/4/2005 Firies are Ready to Fight for Stations - 16/3/2005 |
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