DEREEL CFA BRIGADE

The early years

Formed in 1932 as the Dereel-Enfield Bush Fire Brigade, in response to recent fires, the Brigade covered an area from Napoleons to Rokewood, and east to Grenville and Mount Mercer.

Lieutenants were appointed from Enfield, Dereel, Mount Mercer, Corindhap, Grenville and Rokewood Junction under Captain N. Fenton. Each Lieutenant was given 10 beaters, 15 rakes, one slasher and two water bags for their firefighting equipment.

A new era

Sweeping change came to Victorian rural firefighting in 1944, following the Western Districts fires. Burning through an estimated one million hectares, these fires led to the creation of the Country Fire Authority, and the forming of individual brigades in Rokewood and Grenville.

After joining the Country Fire Authority in 1946, the Brigade began operating as the Dereel-Enfield Rural Fire Brigade. With little but a tenacious spirit and basic equipment, members continued protecting the area from Napoleons to Dereel until the welcome addition of the first fire truck in 1952.

Innovations and change

Over the next two and a half decades, the Dereel-Enfield Rural Fire Brigade adapted and grew in capability. Key additions of a fire shed, and the use of radios on the fireground, saw the Brigade operating in safer and more effective ways.

Adopting a new name of Napoleons-Dereel-Enfield Rural Fire Brigade in 1970, and welcoming a replacement fire truck in 1974, the Brigade continued its dedicated service to the community with renewed strength and improved resources.

A new name, a new Brigade

The Dereel Rural Fire Brigade became a stand-alone brigade in November 1978 under Captain J. Smith, protecting the township of Dereel and its immediate surroundings with only a fire-fighting trailer on hand.

In a continued display of commitment, the Brigade purchased its own Austin tanker in 1980 for the sum of $850, with a combination of Brigade and community-donated funds. A replacement tanker, funded by CFA, came into service in 1982.

Image credit: Dereel Fire Brigade

All welcomed, in service of the community

The Brigade continued its evolution in 1991. Despite significant resistance from surrounding districts, the Dereel members stood firm with support from CFA leadership, voting to allow females to respond to incidents.

A formalised Ladies’ Auxiliary also began in 1991, and was soon followed by a vibrant Junior membership group in 1993.

Going from strength to strength, the Brigade was also represented by a “running team”, winning many championships across the state.

A family-first Brigade

In the tough times and the good, the backbone of the Brigade has been its members and their families.

Many generations from the same families have served the Dereel community, with members’ children and partners always welcomed at Brigade events.

Brigade vision

To continue supporting Dereel and surrounding communities, while upholding the CFA Values of Safety, Teamwork, Adaptable, Integrity and Respect.

By maintaining modern firefighting appliances and a high level of community engagement, the Dereel Fire Brigade aims to be a source of pride for the people of Dereel for many years to come.

Timeline of significant events

• 1930 🔥 Enfield fires starts community discussion about the need for a brigade
• 1932 — Dereel-Enfield Bush Fire Brigade formed to cover the Dereel, Enfield, Grenville, Napoleons, Mount Mercer and Rokewood areas
• 1944 🔥 Western Districts fires triggers the formation of the Country Fire Authority (CFA). Rokewood district impacted with one life lost
• 1952 — First fire truck delivered
• 1968 🔥 Fires in Enfield, Berringa and Dereel areas - burns 10,000 acres, and one house lost behind old Dereel church
• 1977 🔥 Western Plains fires including Rokewood and Cressy areas. Four lives, 108 houses and shops, lost
• 1978 — Dereel Rural Fire Brigade becomes a stand-alone brigade
• 1982 — Station built in Swamp Rd by community and brigade members
• 1986 — Brigade-funded Austin tanker replaced with Brigade-funded Bedford tanker
• 1991 — Ladies’ Auxiliary formalised, females permitted to become firefighters
• 1995 🔥 Enfield forest fire - burns 14,000ha and nine homes lost
• 2003 🔥 Dereel - Colac-Ballarat Rd shop fire
• 2009 🔥 Dereel - Swanson Rd airstrip fire threatens town
• 2013 🔥 Dereel fire - claims over 1300ha and 16 houses
• 2024 🔥 Dereel - Kleins Rd fire threatens town. Burns 110ha, no houses lost

Image credit: D. Houghton 2003

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