Fire brigade's busy year

2009 was another busy year for the New Norfolk Fire Brigade, with the volunteer-based crews responding to 220 calls between January 1 and December 31.

The new year is already proving equally busy, with the brigade responding to three calls in the first three days of the year. Earlier this afternoon two units responded to a direct alarm call from Corumbene Nursing Home (pictured) which upon investigation turned out to be a false alarm.

New Norfolk is fortunate to have a highly-trained urban fire brigade under the leadership of brigade chief Colin Triffitt and his officers and members. Established 70 years ago, the brigade responds to all types of emergencies from structural fires to vegetation fires and providing support to police and ambulance as required. Membership is voluntary and training is at 7pm every Tuesday at the fire station, Back River Rd. New members are always welcome. For information about volunteering, send an email to: newnorfolk@fire.tas.gov.au

The Derwent Valley is also well served by fire brigades in several surrounding districts. For information about volunteering with the Collinsvale, Molesworth, Magra, Lachlan, Gretna, Bushy Park, Westerway, Ellendale, Hamilton, Hollow Tree, Ouse or Bothwell brigades phone 6230 8400 or email fire@fire.tas.gov.au