History

Wonthaggi Fire brigade has been involved in the community for over 100 years

The Wonthaggi Fire Brigade was formed after a number of meetings held early in 1910. Forty residents initially signed onto join the brigade and Captain Hawkes was elected the first captain. The brigade was inspected by Cheif Office Marshall of the Country Fire Brigades Board on the 27th August 1910, at which time it was determined what equipment was required by the brigade.

The Minister of Mines advanced the brigade on hundred pounds. Fifty pounds were used to build a temporary fire station at the south end of McBride Avenue. (the site of the current Masonic Lodge). The remaining fifty pounds was spent on 500 feet of hose, one hydrant, two branches and couplings

Our first fire engine was loaned from the Warragul Fire Brigade and was the type with a bar on each side that required eight men to pump up and down. This was returned in 1912 after reticulated water arrived in Wonthaggi, at which time the brigade was provided with a hand reel. During 1911 the brigade moved to Watt Street (1911-2014), and on the first of July 1911 the brigade was officially taken over by the Country Fire Brigades Board. The fire station moved from its Watt Street site to a new site in White Road in 2014.

Original wooden fire station

Built in 1911, replaced in 1967

Original tanker

Dodge, Purchased in 1923

Watt street, Brick station

Built in 1967, extended to third bay in 1979. Used by brigade until 2014, still exists in Watt st, used by other organisations.

Watt st station,
union Theatre Fire 1980
Union theatre fire 1980

A Brief timeline of the wonthaggi fire brigade

  • 1910: Wonthaggi Fire Brigade formed with an initial memberhip of 40 including 25 active.
  • 1910: Initial temporary fire station built at southern end of McBride Avenue which housed a hand pump on loan from Warragul Fire Brigade
  • 1911: Fire station relocated to Watt Street location (1911-2014)
  • 1911: Original Bell Purchased
  • 1912: Large fire in Graham Street, destroys Lyceum Theatre, Riflemans club, Waratah Boarding house, nine shops and damages Sentinal times building.
  • 1914-1918: World War 1. Wonthaggi has highest number of members enlist of any brigade in Victoria (24).
  • 1915: House fire in Caledonian Crescent with three children burnt to death.
  • 1923: Brigade recieves first motor vehicle after raising 250 pounds. (A Dodge)
  • 1925: Queen Carnival organised to raise funds towards brigades first pumper.
  • 1944: Fire burns from Fincher Street, out past "Pommytown" and beyond.
  • 1967: Old wooden station pulled down and new brick station erected.
  • 1970: State Coal Mine offices and Buffalo lodge burn down in seperate fires.
  • 1972: St Andrews Church burns down.
  • 1973: 200 Acre fire near Western Area Road takes 16 brigades and 10 hours to control.
  • 1979: Station extended to add third bay.
  • 1980: Union Theatre burns down.
  • 1983: Ash Wednesday
  • 1993: Wonthaggi Microburst, Damages significant areas of the town with destructive winds.
  • 1997: Strike Teams to Dandenongs, Langwarrin and Arthurs Seat.
  • 1997: Fatality in house fire in Merrin Crescent.
  • 1997: Strike Team to Lithgow NSW
  • 1997: Pines fire burns 80 hectares near Harmers Haven
  • 1999: Hostages held in Cape Paterson burning house.
  • 2001: Stike Teams to Sydent NSW.
  • 2003: Cowes Primary School major fire.
  • 2004: Cape Paterson Foreshore fire.
  • 2009: Boolarra Fires.
  • 2009: Black Saturday Fires.
  • 2010: Isle of Wight fire in Cowes.
  • 2010: Brigade celebrates 100 years!
  • 2014: Brigade moves from old site in Watt street after 103 years and moves to a larger site and station in White Rd.
  • 2019: Grantville and Bunyip Fires.