By Victoria Stone-Meadows
The Devon Meadows CFA has received $11,500 in funding from the State Government to purchase a thermal imaging camera (TIC).
The Devon Meadows crew applied for the grant money through Government’s Emergency Services Volunteer Sustainability Grants before Christmas and found out in February they had been successful.
Captain Andrew Swain said it was very exciting for the crew to be able to purchase the thermal imaging camera as it was the first time they would have owned one.
“This is the first TIC the brigade has ever had; so that’s over our 70-year history,” he said.
“Obviously, this piece of equipment in this day and age is very important as we are getting more built up in the suburbs from Cranbourne.”
The TIC will be used by the brigade to detect hot spots in fires that are not detectable by the human eye so firefighters can concentrate their efforts into making sure the fire is properly extinguished.
“It will be used in house fires to locate hot spots in walls and ceilings and for bushfires and grass fires for locating hot spots tree stumps and logs,” Capt Swain said.
“If we can locate a hot spot, we can concentrate on that and not have to come back to a re-ignition, it is going to make our jobs quicker and easier and of more benefit to the public.”
While the Devon Meadows Fire Brigade has a long and proud history of protecting the surrounding communities, Capt Swain believes the addition of the TIC beings the brigade into the current day.
“It’s just showing we’re progressing as a bridge as far as the communities and environment around us are progressing,” he said.
“We need to keep up with technology that will benefit us and nearby brigades who can now call on us to assist if needed.”
Member for Eastern Victoria Region Daniel Mulino MP congratulated the CFA Devon Meadows on their successful grant application for the TIC.
“This is an exciting day for Casey, and I congratulate our grant recipient the CFA Devon Meadows and hope that it assists them with the outstanding job they do in keeping the community safe.”
Emergency Services Minister James Merlino said the contribution to Devon Meadows CFA showed the State Government’s dedication to protecting emergency services.
“The Andrews Labor Government is supporting the significant contribution of the more than 100,000 emergency management volunteers, investing in equipment, training and facilities to keep our communities safe,” he said.
“The Emergency Services Volunteer Sustainability Grants Program has been established to ensure emergency management volunteers can continue to deliver their crucial work, protecting Victorian properties and lives.”
