Devon Meadows CFA firefighters John Allan and Dominic Travaglia, back, and front, Gwyn Allan and Second Lieutenant Andrew Swain are eager to get new volunteers on board.
By Sarah Schwager
DEVON Meadows CFA is desperately trying to recruit new members, with some days as little as one volunteer manning the station.
While only a few members have travelled to Gippsland to help out with bushfires, those remaining have been extremely busy attending scrub fires and car accidents locally.
Devon Meadows CFA captain Tony Allan said they were really struggling during the daytime, when volunteers were less likely to be available because they worked.
“We are desperate for new volunteers, particularly at Cannons Creek and particularly ones during the daytime,” he said.
The brigade has two stations, one in Devon Meadows and one in Cannons Creek.
Capt Allan said they needed to start recruiting now as it was about a four-month process before new volunteers could go out to a fire.
He said despite many fires occurring during summer, they were busy all year around with both fires and road accidents and so volunteers were always needed.
“We only have four active members at Cannons Creek at the moment,” he said.
“On Tuesdays we often don’t have more than one person at Devon Meadows.”
The brigade recently received a $1000 grant from the Hunt Club Community Fund to go towards buying 10 new reflective weatherproof jackets to be used at road accidents.
Capt Allan said new equipment was greatly appreciated and now they just needed the bodies to fill them.
People interested in joining the Devon Meadows CFA can drop into the station at Finsbury Road at any time or call 5998 7465.
Capt Allan said all training took place at Devon Meadows and all equipment was supplied.
