Our Number 1 Rural Fire Brigade

Queensland’s No 1 Bush Fire Brigade

by Lea Parkes

Anyone who lives in Glass House Mountains or who has required the assistance of their local rural fire brigade would agree that they do a top job. What you might not know is that the Glass House Mountains Rural Fire Brigade is Queensland’s No 1 brigade.

And no, this isn’t like a Logie award for firies − they were actually the first bush fire brigade registered in Queensland.

And no, this isn't like a Logie award for firies - they were actually the first bush fire brigade registered in Queensland.

Back in December 7, 1948 their first meeting was held at the United Fruitgrowers Co operative Association with 27 members attending. The group was formally registered in 1949, makng this year its 70th anniversary.

Kev Wrayford and Max Pinwill received the keys to the Peachester brigade’s new truck

Last Saturday the Glass House Mountains Rural Fire Station hosted a 70th anniversary celebration for invited guests.

On the day, brigade chairperson Alexander Rowley shared with guests a condensed history of the group, explaining that in the early days they just responded to fires based on where the smoke was coming from.

The fires were fought with backpacks filled with water and when they ran out of water they relied on hessian bags to beat the fires out.

Over the years the number of members waned but the turning point for the brigade was the area's devastating fires of 1994 that saw a resurgence of interest in locals wanting to participate.

Following those fires, a meeting was held with 30 locals, predominately farmers, planning for the future. Of those who attended the meeting there are still two who are current members − Dave Gowan and Charlie Pike.

Registration signing 1949

The day was also used as an opportunity to acknowledge the long-term service of rural fire officers from across the hinterland with service medal presentations and the official handover of keys to new fire fighting vehicles.

More photos on page 28.