Latest Montrose CFA News

Montrose CFA - Annual Report - 2015-2016

Tue, 09 Aug 2016 09:00:00 +1000

**Montrose Community**

It’s give me great pleasure to present the Montrose CFA Annual Report for 2015-2016. On behalf of the Brigade I need to acknowledge the wonderful community we have and the generous business sponsors that have supported our Volunteer Brigade throughout the year.

Congratulations to our membership who provide an amazing service to the people of Montrose and surrounding communities. As Captain, I am very proud of the professional service you have all provided throughout the year, and through the rain, hail and sweltering heat, your compassion to help others, resilience and determination to protect lives and property.

Montrose CFA - Annual Report - 2015-2016

Regards

Rob Waters | Captain Montrose Fire Brigade

Ending of The Fire Danger Period - Monday 11th April 2016 1am

Wed, 06 Apr 2016 09:00:00 +1000

Ending of The Fire Danger Period - Monday 11th April 2016 1am

Please note the Declared Fire Danger Period will begin at 1am on Monday 30th November 2015

Thu, 26 Nov 2015 09:00:00 +1100

Please note the Declared Fire Danger Period will begin at 1am on Monday 30th November 2015.

For more information please click on the link.
http://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Property/Fire-emergencies/Burning-Off

The Montrose Fire Brigade Bi-Annual Elections 2015

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 21:00:00 +1000

The Montrose Fire Brigade held their bi-annual elections tonight, current Brigade Captain Stuart McCall will be standing down as Captain from the 30th of June after 12 years in the position.

The new management team will commence from 1st of July as per the following elected positions;

Captain - Rob Waters
1st Lieutenant - Craig Williamson
2nd Lieutenant - John Tasker
3rd Lieutenant - Matt Jalowicki
4th Lieutenant - Tim Bishop
5th Lieutenant - Val Gallacher
Secretary - Phil Astle
Communications Officer - Sam Trigg
Comm Safety Manager - Marj Taylor

Ending of The Fire Danger Period - Monday 23rd March 2015 1am

Tue, 17 Mar 2015 09:00:00 +1100

Ending of The Fire Danger Period - Monday 23rd March 2015 1am

Bushfire Meeting - Sunday 1st February

Tue, 27 Jan 2015 09:00:00 +1100

Montrose Fire Brigade would like to invite the Montrose and local community members to the Montrose Fire Station for a Bushfire Meeting (Fire Ready Victoria) on Sunday 1st of February starting at 10am. With much of our brigade area being a bushfire area, it is important for residents to plan and make decisions now. Having a written Bushfire Survival Plan that is practiced regularly is vital to maximise your chances of survival.

For more information visit http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/firesafety/bushfire/firereadykit.htm

Grassfires near cities and towns - Informative Video

Thu, 01 Jan 2015 09:00:00 +1100

Know your fire risk if you live or work on the outskirts of a city or town, as you might be next to grassland, paddocks or bush.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xh2zbfNC7lM&sns=em

Fire Restrictions in the Yarra Ranges Shire commence at 1am on Monday 8 December 2014

Mon, 08 Dec 2014 09:00:00 +1100

Restrictions during the Fire Danger Period

The Fire Danger Period is when CFA restricts the use of fire in the community. This is to help prevent fires from starting.

CFA declares the Fire Danger Period for each municipality (shire or council) at different times in the lead up to the fire season. It depends on the amount of rain, grassland curing rate and other local conditions.

The Fire Danger Period is NOT the same thing as a Total Fire Ban

Local municipality (council or shire) restrictions

Your local council or shire may have their own local laws about lighting fires. Contact your local council to find out what municipal local laws may be in place. Local laws may be in place all year.

- See more at: http://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Property/Fire-emergencies/Burning-Off

Montrose Fire Brigade is recruiting volunteers now - 2014

Mon, 01 Dec 2014 12:00:00 +1100

Have you always wanted to help your community, learn new skills and make new friends? Well becoming a Montrose CFA brigade volunteer could be just what you were looking for. Montrose Fire Brigade is currently recruiting volunteer firefighters to join our team.

The Montrose Volunteer Fire Brigade provides a professional emergency service to Montrose and surrounding areas. This includes attending house fires, grass fires, car accidents and hazardous materials spills.

You will be fully trained and issued with protective equipment at no cost to you. Being a CFA volunteer is extremely rewarding and enables you to challenge yourself in a supportive, fun and friendly environment.

For more information please contact Rob Waters on 0410 499 758 applications close 8th of December.

Montrose Fire Brigade Open Day - Sunday 12th October 2014

Fri, 05 Sep 2014 09:00:00 +1000

Montrose Fire Brigade is recruiting volunteers now

Tue, 04 Feb 2014 12:00:00 +1100

For more information please contact Rob Waters on 0410 499 758 applications close 19th of February.

The Montrose Fire Brigade Garage Sale 2013

Tue, 25 Jun 2013 21:00:00 +1000

The Montrose Fire Brigade is opening its doors for its second garage sale - it on Sunday 20th October and it will be open to the public for trading from 8.00am to 2.00pm.

Donations are gratefully accepted, they can be dropped off at the station on Tuesday nights b/w 7.30pm and 8.00pm or Sundays between 11.30 am and midday or phone 0419 100 837. Please no TV's, electrical goods, mattresses or clothes.　　

We will be running a sausage sizzle and cake stall as well on the day.

The profits made on the day will go towards a new slip-on appliance to enhance our emergency response for the local and surrounding community

So come on down, come and meet the Brigade Members and have a look through the bargains.

20 / 20 - Get to Know "Ben Cash"

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 09:00:00 +1100

1. When did you join The Montrose Fire Brigade? September 2011

2. What do you do for work? I'm a Customer Service Officer for Spa Electrics. We are an Australian made and owned manufacturing company, producing underwater lighting.

3. What's your favourite indoor activity? Watching a decent movie and relaxing.

4. What chore at the Fire Station do you dislike the most? I hate maintenance night! But it's a necessary evil

5. What is your favourite form of exercise? Snow Skiing.

6. If you knew the world was ending in 2013, what would you do for the remaining time? Travel! Europe, South Africa, South America and North Korea for something a little different.

7. What would be "your" best skill that you use at the Fire Station? I talk a lot, so Communication?

8. If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be? I look forward to witnessing Geelong's win in the 2013 AFL Grand Final.

9. If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? Buy a house and then a Ski Chalet somewhere.

10. Has there ever been a funny moment on the fire ground? There has been many, but they're best left on the fire ground.

11. Which celebrity do you get mistaken for? Apparently I resemble the older version of Jake from two and a half men

12. When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time? Sleeping!

13. Who will be Fire-Fighter of the year 2013? Ryan Smith....Gut feel.

14. What was the last movie, TV show or book that made you cry or tear up? I have no idea

15. What's the most valuable lesson you have learnt on the fire ground? Don's - just look at what you're doing, look up, look sideways and look behind you.

16. Without looking do you know the Rego of Montrose Pumper? M## 090

17. What is the hardest thing you have ever had to do? Moving overseas on my own. It's incredibly hard getting yourself and luggage to a place that you've never been to with no support.

18. What's your favourite item to eat in a ration pack? Can of banana cream rice stuff.

19. What is something you learned in the last week? It takes a really long time to fill in this survey, especially when it crashes half way through and you have to re-write half of it.

20. What is your most memorable Fire Brigade Moment? Starting at Montrose, the support offered by these guys and girls is second to none.

Fire Restrictions in the Yarra Ranges Shire commence at 1am on Monday 7 January 2013

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 09:00:00 +1100

Restrictions during the Fire Danger Period

The Fire Danger Period is when CFA restricts the use of fire in the community. This is to help prevent fires from starting.

The Fire Danger Period is NOT the same thing as a Total Fire Ban

Local municipality (council or shire) restrictions

Your local council or shire may have their own local laws about lighting fires. Contact your local council to find out what municipal local laws may be in place. Local laws may be in place all year.

- See more at: http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/restrictions-during-the-fire-danger-period/#sthash.j2MQ7lcf.dpuf

Driver escapes Montrose bus inferno

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 21:00:00 +1100

A BUS driver had a lucky escape after his bus turned into an inferno in Montrose on Saturday night.

Firefighters were called to the blaze at 5.55pm - right in front of the Montrose CFA station.

Incident controller Rob Waters said the bus driver, the only person on board the huge tourist bus at the time, was travelling towards Montrose when he put his foot down and realised the bus had lost power.

Mr Waters said the driver saw smoke coming from the back of the bus and got out and called 000.

"The bus was then engulfed with flames, which caused an additional hazard with powerlines coming down," Mr Waters said.

It took firefighters just under 20 minutes to bring the blaze under control.

The bus was completely destroyed.

The powerlines began sparking, and the power company was called to ensure their safety.

The Montrose brigade was helpd by MFB firefighters and members from the Badger Creek brigade.

Traffic was diverted around Mt Dandenong Rd while the fire was brought under control.

A CFA spokeswoman said the exact cause of the fire could not be determined but it had started in the engine.

by Kimberley Seedy

November = Men’s Health and Montrose Cricket Club

Sun, 04 Nov 2012 09:00:00 +1100

Hello Friends

November = Men's Health and Montrose Cricket Club are hosting a Prostate Cancer Awareness evening on Nov 29^th 7.30 - 9.30pm.

We've engaged a very prominent Prostate Cancer Researcher to speak (see attached Flyer) and it would be a real shame for this to be an exclusive Cricket Club Event. Prostate Cancer is a community issue.

We'd like to get as many Men in the rooms as possible to hear this valuable information.

I certainly understand that most men would rather be anywhere else but at an information night on Prostate Cancer. We are aware of this, and we've designed a program that should be educational as well as entertaining.

There is a $5 door charge and a light supper will be provided. Drinks are available at Bar prices. There will also be raffles & door prizes.

Could we trouble you to disseminate this email through your contact list, along with our most sincere welcome to any men from Montrose Footy Club that would be interested in attending.

Cancer education requires a bipartisan approach and we'd certainly appreciate your support in spreading the word. We are male dominated sports and we have an obligation to educate our members, It's really important.

Thank you

Our very best wishes to all at the Footy Club

Kind regards

Simone & Dean Samuel

MCC Jr Committee

0417 148 018

Fire damages Montrose cafe

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 09:00:00 +1100

Fire damages Montrose cafe

A POPULAR Montrose Cafe was badly damaged by fire last night.

About 40 firefighters were called to The Mountain Hub Cafe, previously known as The Soda Tree Cafe, in Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, at 8pm.

Rob Waters, incident controller from the Montrose CFA, said upon arrival the crews found 35 per cent of the building on fire.

It took them 90 minutes to get under control.

The firefighters were able to contain the fire to the second storey of the building, however half the building was destroyed.

Mr Waters said there was a lot of smoke and fire damage within the building.

Fire investigators attended the scene and believe the cause was accidental.

No one was in the cafe when the fire broke out.

Ten CFA trucks and three brigade vehicles from Montrose, Mt Evelyn, The Basin, Bayswater, Boronia, and Mooroolbark attended the scene.

29 Oct 12 @ 03:51pm by Kimberley Seedy

http://lilydale-yarra-valley-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/montrose-fire-damages-cafe/

Peter Hitchener visits Montrose CFA Open Day

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 09:00:00 +1100

During the Montrose Fire Brigade Open Day, the VBIL Project Team had a visit from Peter Hitchener, Channel 9 News, promoting the VBIL Service to the community and supporting the CFA Montrose Fire Brigade on the day.

Read the full article here

Kilsyth Auto works fire

Sat, 20 Oct 2012 09:00:00 +1100

Kilsyth Auto works fire

MFB and CFA were called to a fire in an automotive workshop in Shelley St Kilsyth just after 8:30 am on Saturday 29 Sept.

The fire was an MFB primary call and Bayswater and Mooroolbark pumpers came on in support. The building was one of four factories in a row that was heavily involved in fire when the first crews arrived.

The corrugated iron building was approx 30 X 15 metres in size and contained numerous vehicles and automotive oils. Montrose Salvage attended and used their gas flare-off equipment to empty a large LPG cylinder that was used for heating.

CFA Operations Officer Don Tomkins said crews attempted to contain the oil that was flowing towards drains as firefighting operations continued. Water and council reps attended to assist with drainage maps.

MFB crews were onscene from stations 10, 19, 22, 26, 27 and BA support 38.

Crews were still mopping up and blacking out hot-spots at midday.

The cause of the fire is being investigated.

Posted by CFA Media

Saturday, 29 September 2012

Helping Hands

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 09:00:00 +1100

Helping Hands

When Montrose resident Alan Hopkins lost his 40-year-old wife out of the blue last month, he was left picking up the pieces.

Being a working dad to a one-year-old son and five-year-old daughter suddenly became infinitely harder, and juggling basic household tasks such as cooking and cleaning near impossible.

So when the Montrose community gathered to support him and his children, Mr Hopkins was left speechless amid the kindness and generosity.

"It's been pretty tough since we're in the middle of moving house but there's been an outpour of sympathy from people," he said.

On the Friday after his wife Kerry's death, a large group of people from his workplace, Rosebank Engineering in Bayswater, gave up their own time to help him pack up the house.

Carers from Cuddly Bear Child Care, who look after Mr Hopkins' son Nathan, stepped up to help him with paperwork and even lent him clothes for the funeral.

Billanook Primary School, where his daughter Medina attends, gave both children a teddy bear and the parent group provided them with groceries.

The Montrose CFA also provided his family with food, support and counselling.

"Everybody's just been very kind and it's extremely touching to know the warmth for my wife and my family in the community and that there are good people out there," he said.

"It's been overwhelming - people have cooked meals for me and I have a roster of meals from the CFA, the Croydon Women's Fellowship and the childcare in the fridge and a lady stood in and babysat last week so I could do CFA training.

"It's just wonderful and the CFA crew have been bricks."

Mr Hopkins and his wife moved to Australia five years ago from the UK, after staying in New Zealand for a period of time.

They were made Australian citizens two months ago, and he said he couldn't be any prouder to be an Australian.

"I have come to find out what the word mateship really means," he said.

"None of the family could make it for the funeral because they were in the UK so without the community's help, we would've completely struggled.

"The people of Montrose are like our family."

Mr Hopkins said he was extremely grateful for all the support the community provided.

He thanked them with a garage sale of Ms Hopkins' things and old baby items, raising more than $400, which he donated to the Relay for Life cancer fund.

Ms Hopkins' cause of death is still unknown.

By Emma Sun

26^th September 2012 09:4515am