1851

Black Thursday bushfires affect much of Victoria, including the Dandenongs

1869

Dandenong and Woori Yallock State Forest proclaimed

1870s

First European settlement in the One Tree Hill area

1880

Bushfires in The Basin

1882

168 hectares reserved for public recreation along Fern Tree Gully Creek towards One Tree Hill

(the “National Park”)

1893

4000 hectares of forest released for settlement in Tremont, Ferny Creek and Sassafras

1896

Fires burn out settlers in the School Road, Ferny Creek area

1898

Large areas of the Dandenongs, including Ferny Creek and Sassafras affected by bushfires

1906

Bushfires in the National Park

1913

Sherbrooke Forest affected by fire

1914

Fires at One Tree Hill, National Park in March

1919

Sassafras and Olinda ringed by bushfire

1923

Black Thursday bushfires affect much of Victoria, including the Dandenongs

1926

Widespread bushfires across Victoria. Tremont, National Park, One Tree Hill severely affected. Fire brigades formed in Olinda, Selby, Belgrave South, Ferntree Gully.

1928

Ferntree Gully National Park formally created

1932

Extensive bushfires in Sassafras, The Basin

1934

Bushfires in Ferny Creek

1936

One Tree Hill, Tremont affected by bushfires

1939

“Black Friday” fires across Victoria lead to Royal Commission on bushfire management

1942

Sassafras-Ferny Creek Fire Brigade formed

1945

Country Fire Authority established

1953

First fire station built in Clarkmont Road

1954

Bushfires in the National Park

1954

First fire truck purchased (1939 V8 Ford Marmo)

1955

Annual brigade appeal begins

1960

Bushfire in The Basin threatens Sassafras and Olinda

1962

Bushfires in Sassafras destroy 10 homes, a guesthouse, six shacks, assorted outbuildings and vehicles. Tremont and One Tree Hill also affected. One man killed at Olinda.

1964

Olinda swimming pool constructed as a reservoir for fire fighting water

1968

Bushfire destroys 53 homes and a public hall in Tremont and Upwey area

1970

Fire station extensively renovated

1971

Junior Fire Brigade formed

1972

Fires in the National Park

1973

Mains water installed in the local area

1974

More than 40 local bushfires attributed to arson

1974

Fire station destroyed by falling mountain ash tree

1975

Fire station reopened

1980

Arsonist active in the local area

1982

First women firefighters join brigade

1983

Old Ferny Creek Primary School destroyed

1983

Ash Wednesday fires, Sassafras unit sent to Belgrave South

1993

Antique Market, Sassafras (formerly the Hideaway) destroyed by fire

1994

Restaurant (Pancakes of Sassafras, formerly The Thistle) destroyed by fire; antique store fire in Sassafras

1997

Three people die at One Tree Hill, Ferny Creek in bushfire that destroys 34 homes. Read an account of 1997 fires... ( 114KB)

2002

New fire station opened

2009

February bushfires affect large areas of the state. Significant local fires at Upper Ferntree Gully (Feb 9th) and Upwey (Feb 23rd).

2017

Brigade's 75^th Anniversary