Ash Bolt
A committed group of about 30 CFA volunteers from around the region have given their time to keep Lorne safe during the busy summer period.
Everyday over the summer, a rotating roster of four volunteers have supported the Lorne Fire Brigade to respond to daytime incidents if required.
CFA commander and Surf Coast catchment officer Wayne Aylmer said the way volunteers had put their hand up for the initiative was testament to their incredible commitment to help communities outside of their own.
“We bring them down for the day and they respond to urban incidents such as children locked in cars, motor vehicle collisions, fire alarms in buildings, bin fires on the foreshore,” he said.
“It’s a fairly busy time so they’d usually get called at least once a day and it means our regular brigade members don’t have to drop everything at a time that a lot of them are really busy themselves, working in hospitality and other seasonal occupations.”
Lorne Fire Brigade captain Lee Holmer expressed his gratitude to all volunteers rostered to help this summer.
“We’re only a little brigade in a town of about 2000 people but that can jump up to 25,000 over summer,” he said.
“A lot of our members work in hospitality and this is a really busy time for them, so having that support during the day means a lot.
“By the time the crew leaves, our members have finished up at their shop or restaurant and we can respond to any incidents.”
Crew leader Eric Messer, who usually volunteers with Anglesea Fire Brigade, is one of the volunteers who expressed his interest. He was rostered to help out in Lorne six days this season, after volunteering seven days last year.
“I’m retired so this is a good way of being able to support the community,” he said.
Along with the extra support, CFA District 7 has deployed an extra pumper to Lorne in case of a bushfire on the Surf Coast.
The pumper will remain in Lorne until Monday and will return for the Australia Day long weekend.
