Photo courtesy Doreen CFA

Steep remote country at Whittlesea was a challenge for 20 fire fighting units that attended a fire this afternoon (Sunday).

Doreen CFA reports: “Whittlesea Fire Brigade esponded to reports of a structure fire in a remote rural area.

“Vicfire dispatchers advised multiple calls reporting a Fire at that location.

“Further information was that there were possibly persons inside the building.

“Due to the remoteness of the location and the very visible column of black smoke Whittlesea’s first responding truck radioed Vicfire requesting ‘make tankers 10’.

“The property sat atop a hill with a very tight driveway with a number of hairpin bends making access difficult.

“On arrival members of Whittlesea wearing BA (breathing apparatus) conducted a primary search ensuring the occupants had escaped whilst others mounted an aggressive attack on the fire.

“Meanwhile Doreen CFA members as part of the make tankers 10 responded within a minute of the pager message.

“On arrival Doreen provided two BA wearers to assist with the fire fight whilst the Doreen Pumper Tanker became the First Aid Tank for Whittlesea Pumper, Whittlesea Tanker 2 and Whittlesea Tanker 3.

“Water supply was difficult due to the remote location and the tight driveway however drawing on experience from an Advanced Pumping Course, a water Sector was established to ensure a constant supply of water via a Tanker Relay.

“Mernda Rehab was a most welcome addition looking after fire fighters’ welfare, along with Ambulance Victoria Paramedics

“In all some 20 units from across the district were responded to assist
Captain Geoff Rowden of Whittlesea Fire Brigade was very pleased with the way all brigades worked together stopping the spread of fire and saving a substantial portion of the house.

“On a positive note the residents has escaped unharmed and two pet rabbits on the second storey balcony were saved.

“CFA Brigades responding included Arthurs Creek & Strathewen CFA, Doreen CFA, Eltham CFA, Kalkallo CFA, Kinglake West Fire Brigade, Mernda CFA, Research CFA, Wallan Fire Brigade, Wandong Fire Brigade, Wollert Fire Brigade and Whittlesea Fire Brigade.”