Mark Reilly and Brendan Micallef at the Wyndham Vale Fire Station. 74693 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
By XAVIER SMERDON
WYNDHAM Vale residents are in safe hands with the newly formed fire brigade receiving more than 100 call outs in its first few months.
The brigade was formally launched in July this year and since then the volunteers at the station have been working hard to keep up with demand.
The most common type of incidents they attend are car fires with 16 calls recorded so far. Just around four of those have been for mechanical reasons while the rest have been treated as suspicious. Firefighter for 10 years, Mark Reilly, said starting a car fire was not worth the risk.
“If the insurance companies even sniff that something is wrong then they won’t pay out,” Mr Reilly said.
Late last month the Member for Western Victoria, David O’Brien, said the new brigade would be a valuable addition to Wyndham Vale.
“Wyndam Vale is one of the fastest growing areas in Australia and the new brigade will ensure the future needs of the community are met,” Mr O’Brien said.
“This is the first brigade that CFA has established in the district since 2001 and is the result of a great deal of work and dedication from both founding members of Wyndham Vale Fire Brigade, Werribee Fire Brigade and CFA.”
Mr Reilly, who also runs his own business, said he became a firefighter to give back to his community.
“I’ve been in Wyndham Vale for 30 years now so I thought it was time to give back,” he said.
“It’s a mixed bag of guys and girls that you’re working with but mainly it’s about doing your bit.”
