By ALESHA CAPONE
LIEUTENANT Will Fenech knows residents of the urban fringe in Brimbank and Melton must remain aware of fire danger.
Mr Fenech is a volunteer officer with the Country Fire Authority (CFA) in Caroline Springs and Hillside.
In February, he helped fight the blaze which razed more than 2000 hectares and threatened homes in Epping.
Mr Fenech said the risk of a wildfire or grassfire starting on the urban fringes in the West remained a serious threat in warmer weather.
“We had the fires at Epping at the start of the year and that could easily happen here, we’ve been very lucky that is hasn’t so far,” he said.
“Don’t become complacent and think it can’t happen here.”
Station officer Peter Higgins said residents needed to keep their yards and fencelines tidy to help minimise the fire risk.
CFA members will be imparting the fire safety message at a family fun day at Bunnings in Caroline Springs on Saturday 23 November.
Mr Fenech said CFA members in Caroline Springs and Hillside were often called to automatic alarms, house fires and car accidents.
He has been with the CFA for almost six years and as a trainer assessor, he also teaches the brigade’s new recruits.
“I think it’s, for me, finding a place I could do good and also be part of an organisation with tangible results which helps people,” Mr Fenech said.
Mr Fenech even met his girlfriend, from another CFA branch, at a training course.
He encouraged other residents aged over 16 to think about joining the CFA.
“You get a lot out of it, if you’re willing to put in,” he said.
The CFA family fun day will be on from 9am-3pm Saturday at Bunnings, 1067-1125 Western Highway, Caroline Springs featuring fire trucks, face painting, craft, a jumping castle, hose bowling for children and a cake stall. See www.cfa.vic.gov.au to find out more about volunteering.
