News Archive

Current news...

2007 ~ 2008 ~ 2009

2010

Fri 24th Dec Santa seen stalking the streets of Sassafras and Ferny Creek!
Yes, the bearded man in red was at it again, riding though the streets of Sassafras and Ferny Creek with his elves on the back of the big red truck. Photo gallery...
Sun 12th Dec Carols on the Mountain 2010
The rain held off... well almost... as around 500 people joined our very own local opera star Suzanne Johnston, performers from the Hart School of Dance, the National Youth Chorale, Tecoma Sing Australia Choir, the Swiss Matterhorn Yodel Choirs, choirs from the Ferny Creek, Sassafras and Mount Dandenong Primary Schools and the combined Upwey and Monbulk high school bands for another spectacular Carols on the Mountain at the Ferny Creek Recreation Reserve. Photo gallery...
Sat 20th Nov Carols on the Mountain
It’s on again! The annual Carols on the Mountain spectacular is back. Join us on Saturday 11th December at the Ferny Creek Recreation Reserve. Gates open at 6:30pm, singin’ starts at 7.30pm!
Tue 16th Nov Fire Ready meetings
Local Fire Ready Meetings will be held at the Sassafras Primary School on Monday 29th November at 7.30pm, the Ferny Creek Primary School on Wednesday 1st December at 7.30pm and at the Fire Station on Sunday 16th January 2011 at 3pm. All welcome. Other meetings will be held nearby in coming weeks and again locally over summer. Check the CFA website for details.
Mon 15th Nov ABC Fire Awareness Day 2010
Brigade captain John Schauble talked to Derek Guille on the ABC Drive program about a range of community safety issues and outcomes from the recent Royal Commission. The broadcast , from the Mt Dandenong Hotel, included a range of guests from the fire services, fire research field and the local community.
Sun 1st Aug Getting out early is still the best way to survive
The 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission has endorsed the fundamental truths behind “stay or go”, writes brigade captain John Schauble in The Sunday Age. Read more...
Mon 5th Jul Honoured for service
One of the brigade's most respected members has been honoured for four decades of service to CFA. More... (icon 133KB)
Sun 30th May No easy answers
Scrapping stay or go won’t guarantee safety for people in fire-prone areas, writes brigade captain John Schauble in The Sunday Age. Read more...
Mon 15th Mar Fire restrictions to end on 22nd March
CFA fire restrictions will end throughout the Shire of Yarra Ranges, including Sassafras and Ferny Creek, at 1am on 22nd March, 2010. Shire of Yarra Ranges local laws apply to burning off in the open. For more information about the local laws, contact the Shire of Yarra Ranges on 1300 368333. Media Release (icon 21KB)
Sun 7th Feb February 2009 fires remembered
Members of the local brigade marked the first anniversary of the 7 February 2009 bushfires by lowering the station flags to half-mast and observing one minute’s silence at midday.
Sun 7th Feb Living with fire means facing up to our failings
Victorians must still learn to live with bushfire, writes brigade captain John Schauble in ‘The Sunday Age’. Read more…
Thu 4th Feb House fire extensively damages Sassafras home
Three units from Sassafras-Ferny Creek, along with crews from Olinda, Upwey and Kallista attended a house fire in The Cresent shortly after 10am. Three rooms of the home were destroyed. The cause of the fire is being investigated.
Sun 31st Jan Brigade responds to Emerald fires
A tanker from Sassafras-Ferny Creek was tasked to attend a 4 ha grass and scrub fire at Emerald as part of a strike team assembled by the Dandenong Ranges Group. The fire was quickly brought under control.
Mon 11th Jan Two small fires on first TFB for 2010
CFA crews from Sassafras, Olinda and Upwey, together with Parks Victoria/DSE, attended a small fire in the national park at One Tree Hill. The fire, which burned 0.1 ha, was contained within a few minutes. Another small fire caused by arcing powerlines at Sherbrooke was also quickly contained.

2009

Thu 24th Dec Ho Ho Who?
Spotted on the streets of Sassafras and Ferny Creek on the night before Christmas, a mysterious man in red! Photo gallery...
Fri 18th Dec Young Driver Award
Brigade member Alannah Stevens is the proud recipient of a 2009 Anthony and Travis Hall Memorial Driver Education Award. The award commemorates the lives of two junior members of the Upwey Fire Brigade who were tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident at Cockatoo in 1995. 18-year-old Alannah joined our brigade as a junior member in 2002. The scholarship provides the opportunity for young people to participate in car control training courses.
Sat 12th Dec Carols on the Mountain 2009
More than 500 people joined soloists Juliette and Geraldine Hughes, the Dandenong Ranges Sing Australia choir, the National Youth Chorale, choirs from Sassafras, Ferny Creek, Olinda and Mt Dandenong primary schools, combined Upwey and Monbulk high school bands for another spectacular Carols on the Mountain at the Ferny Creek Recreation Reserve. Photo gallery...
Tue 24th Nov Carols on the Mountain
It’s back! The annual Carols on the Mountain spectacular is back. Join us on December 12 at the Ferny Creek Recreation Reserve. Flyer (icon 830KB) and Press Release (icon 45KB)
Thu 19th Nov Fire restrictions in Yarra Ranges
CFA Yarra Area has recommended, pending publication in the Government Gazette, that fire restrictions for the Shire of Yarra Ranges come into force on Monday 14th December 2009. More... (icon 27KB)
Sat 31st Oct Fire Ready meetings... here’s a list
Around 80 people attended the first local Fire Ready meeting held in the brigade area last Wednesday night at the Horticultural Society. Several more meetings will be held in the brigade area and in nearby communities over the coming months. For list of upcoming local meetings, click here. (icon 74KB)
For a comprehensive listing, visit the CFA website.
Wed 28th Oct Planned burns for Sassafras and Ferny Creek
DSE is planning two small fuel reduction burns in Wannawong Rd, Sassafras and Hilton Rd, Ferny Creek tomorrow (28 October), weather permitting. More.... (icon 35KB)
Sat 17th Oct Fire Ready meeting
Our first local Fire Ready Meeting for the year will be held at the Ferny Creek Horticultural Society hall on Wednesday 28th October at 7.30pm All welcome. Other meetings will be held nearby in coming weeks and again locally over summer. Check the CFA website for details.
Sat 17th Oct Check out the new CFA bushfire safety publications
A suite of updated bushfire information has been produced by CFA ahead of the coming summer. This includes some really useful planning templates and a detailed self-assessment tool to help you identify the level of risk your at property. Printed copies of this will be available soon, but in the meantime check it out online!
Fri 16th Oct In the red zone
Blunt language and a new ‘code red’ warning are only part of the answer, writes Selma Milovanovic in The Age. More....
Thu 15th Oct ABC Fire Awareness Day
Brigade captain John Schauble talked Red Symons on the ABC Breakfast program about helping a couple in Park Orchards develop their bushfire action plan. He later joined Jon Faine at the Emerald Community House to talk some more about preparing for the coming summer. More....
Sun 11th Oct Fire danger ratings
Victoria has adopted the new nationally agreed Fire Danger Rating scale to help communities understand information about fire danger. More.... (icon 110KB)
Sun 11th Oct Fire Action Week begins!

Fire Action Week runs from 11th October to 18th October and is a ‘whole-of-state’ effort to plan and prepare for the coming fire season.

Fire Action Week is a call to action for all Victorians, no matter where they live, to:

  • prepare for the coming fire season
  • identify their fire risk
  • prepare their own properties and work with neighbours and communities to be Fire Ready.

Think about it

  • All of Victoria is at fire risk this year, and we are facing a potentially worse fire season than last year.
  • Fire Action Week is the time to start planning and preparing for the fire season, if you haven’t already done so.
  • You should have a written fire plan that details what you and your family will do if threatened by fires.
  • Your fire plan is a combination of preparation and a plan of action. It must include practical steps to protect all members of the family, including children, the elderly and the vulnerable.
  • Write down your fire plan, share it with all in your household, and practise it regularly.
  • Prepare your house or property for fires. Even if you plan to leave, your home must be well prepared. A well-prepared house with defendable space has a greater chance of surviving.
  • CFA’s new household self-assessment tool will help you determine if you have enough defendable space around your home. Visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au or call the VBIL on 1800 240 667 to get a copy.
  • Find out more about planning and preparing for fires from your local fire safety community meetings, CFA Community Fireguard groups, and council. Start by visiting www.cfa.vic.gov.au.

How to get involved in Fire Action Week

Activities and Events calendar

An online calendar of events will be available on the CFA website: www.cfa.vic.gov.au

Fire Action Week supplements

Fire Action Week supplements will run in newspapers throughout the state in the week of October 11-18, culminating in a ‘Prepare to be Fire Ready’ day on Sunday, October 18. These supplements will raise awareness across Victoria about the high-risk outlook for the coming fire season and the critical need to prepare for the coming fire season.

Take part in ‘Prepare to be Fire Ready’ day

‘Prepare to be Fire Ready’ day on Sunday, October 18 is a ‘whole-of-state’ working bee for all Victorians to plan and prepare for the coming fire season. It's simple to get involved in the day:
  • Participate in a clean-up activity in your local area.
  • Develop your fire plan.
  • Start clearing around your home and property. For more information visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au or contact your local council.
  • Contact your local fire brigade to find out about community meetings in your area.
Wed 19th Aug Everyone must do their bit
The Royal Commission Interim Report will present challenges for volunteer brigades, writes brigade captain John Schauble. More....
Mon 17th Aug Interim Report of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission
Read all the findings....
Mon 17th Aug Sassafras-Ferny Creek Captain interviewed on ABC 774
Brigade captain John Schauble talks to Jon Faine ahead of the release of the Interim Report of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission. Listen to the interview....
Thu 6th Aug Don’t be distracted by quick fixes
More... (icon 204KB)
Sun 19th Jul New trucks handed over
Two new firefighting vehicles were formally handed over to the brigade by the Hon. James Merlino, at a ceremony at the fire station. More... (icon 125KB)
Sat 11th Jul Let’s not throw good policy into the fire
Reflections on the ‘prepare, stay and defend or leave early’ policy. More...
Fri 12th Jun Sassafras-Ferny Creek Captain interviewed on ABC 774
Brigade captain John Schauble talks to Jon Faine about issues arising from the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission. Listen to the interview (skip to the last 10 minutes of the Hectic Half Hour download)
Mon 11th May 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission
Live webcasts of proceedings and submissions to the royal commission are available here.
Fri 29th May Brigade service honoured
Awards were presented to a number of members at the brigade's annual dinner in recognition of service and proficiency. More... (icon 132KB)
Sun 16th Apr Learn about burns
The Department of Sustainability and Environment is seeking to email Dandenongs businesses and residents directly when a planned burn is likely to be held in Dandenong Ranges National Park. More... (icon 23KB)
Tue 7th Apr Fire restrictions to end on 20th April
CFA fire restrictions will end throughout the Shire of Yarra Ranges, including Sassafras and Ferny Creek, at 1am on 20th April, 2009. Shire of Yarra Ranges local laws apply to burning off in the open. For more information about the local laws, contact the Shire of Yarra Ranges on 1300 368333 or www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au
Sun 29th Mar Check your smoke alarm: Daylight saving ends April 5
Daylight saving ends this Sunday... and that means it’s time to change your smoke alarm batteries. More...
28th Feb Coming weather conditions
Mild weather conditions over the weekend will provide some immediate respite from the fire danger. However, conditions next week - especially on Tuesday - are expected to again raise the local bushfire danger to extreme levels. Residents are reminded to implement their fire plans in advance and consider the conditions before deciding whether to stay and actively defend their properties or leave early. More...
28th Feb Nixon Rd, Upwey fire
The Nixon Rd, Upwey fire, which broke out last Monday, has been contained and is no longer considered a threat to local communities. The fire burnt approximately 355 hectares of private property and parkland managed by Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water and the Shire of Yarra Ranges. Department of Sustainability & Environment crews, along with local CFA crews, will continue to patrol the fire scene over coming days. Crews and one vehicle from Sassafras were involved in blacking out and patrolling the fire as part of a local strike team during the week.
27th Feb House fire, Hethersett Road, Sassafras
An electrical fault has been identified as the cause of a house fire in Hethersett Road which broke out shortly after 8.30am. The resident evacuated safely and called the fire brigade. Smoke detectors were installed and operating. The fire spread extensively through the structure via internal wall, floor and ceiling cavities. Quick intervention by crew wearing breathing apparatus (BA) contained the fire to these areas once the brigade arrived. There was minimal damage to contents and internal fittings. Two vehicles from Sassafras-Ferny Creek were assisted by two from Olinda. Upwey brigade attended with a thermal imaging camera, along with a specialist unit from Bayswater providing BA support. A CFA fire investiagtor and a Shire building surveyor also attended the scene.
26th Feb Friday a “spike” day
The fire danger is expected to reach extreme levels on Friday 27th February across most of the state and including the Dandenong Ranges. Sassafras-Ferny Creek brigade captain John Schauble is urging residents who have not undertaken thorough preparations or who are not confident about remaining to actively defend their properties to consider leaving early. “Recent experience locally has shown that people without a plan are tending to panic and leave at the last minute,” he said. “If you’re going, then go early before there is a fire, without the stress and try enjoy your day elsewhere. Leaving at the last minute once a fire has started in the area is not a realistic option. It’s simply dangerous.”

Local schools closed
In view of the current high fire danger, all local schools will be closed on Friday, 27th February, following a directive from the Education Department.

Community Meeting at Ferny Creek Primary School
More than 100 residents attended a community meeting at the Ferny Creek Primary School on the evening of Wednesday 25th February. Brigade Captain John Schauble updated residents on the recent fire activity in Upwey and Belgrave and on the need for heightened preparedness over the coming days. CFA Community Safety presenter Andrew Feagan delivered a shortened Fire Ready meeting.
24th Feb Fire at Nixon Road, Upwey 23rd February, 2009
A fire which began in grassland off Nixon Road in Upwey shortly before 2.30pm on Monday spread rapidly into scrubland in the Monbulk Creek retarding basin. Fanned by a strong north-westerly wind, the fire was rapidly carried towards houses in the Ryans Road area. Two tankers from Sassafras-Ferny Creek brigade responded to the fire, along with multiple CFA, MFB and DSE vehicles. An Erickson Aircrane and other helicopters provided valuable support as the fire moved towards private properties. A south-westerly wind change later in the afternoon pushed the fire towards Belgrave Heights. The fire was contained early on Tuesday morning. A vehicle and crew from Olinda was stepped up into Sassafras-Ferny Creek station to provide extra security for the local area in addition to Sassafras Pumper, which remained on standby for local calls. A small number of firefighters from the brigade will be helping crew vehicles from elsewhere in the Dandenong Ranges Group at the fire site over the coming days to black out and secure the scene ahead of expected hot and windy conditions on Friday. Members of the brigade auxiliary have also been assisting with the provision of meals to firefighters.
21st Feb Preparing for the coming week
Hot and windy conditions are again predicted on some days next week. This will test the work done to consolidate containment lines on the major fires in and around the Yarra Valley and also to the east at Bunyip.

The conditions will also elevate the fire danger in the local area. It is important that residents understand this, make plans and act accordingly. Information on preparing your family and property is available here.
  Fire Ready Meeting Wednesday 25th February, 7pm
Another Fire Ready Victoria meeting will be held at 7pm on Wednesday 25th at Ferny Creek Primary School. The focus of this meeting will be on providing information about preparing your family and property for the risk of fire over the coming weeks. It will not be an operational briefing. Issues relating to the municipality, public lands or issues such as bunkers, refuges or roadside vegetation management, while important and of significant public interest, will not be the focus of the meeting. CFA’s immediate priority is using the tools we have at hand to prepare communities for the risks they may face over the next few weeks.
19th Feb First we mourn, then we must learn our place
More...
16th Feb Victorian Bushfires, February 2009

Local bushfire threat remains high

The bushfire threat in the local area remains very high. It will remain so until there is a significant change in the weather and substantial rainfall dampens forest fuels.

Residents are advised, if they have not already done so, to develop a bushfire action plan that suits their needs and those of their family. Ample information on how to develop a plan is available from CFA. A good place to start is here.

You should also consider joining (or starting) a Community Fireguard group. There are several groups active in the local area. Information on Community Fireguard is available here or by contacting CFA Yarra Area on 8739 1300.

On hot and windy days, the fire risk will escalate rapidly. Residents who do not plan to stay and defend their properties must plan to leave early on such days. “Leaving early” means leaving before a fire has started in the area. A safe option is to plan to be out of the area altogether on days of high fire danger. If you don’t understand what constitutes a day of high fire danger, learn more about this here. (icon 1.59MB)

Once a fire has started in the immediate local area, travel on roads will become dangerous and may have fatal consequences.

Staying to defend your property is a complex option. If you want to do this there are several steps you need to take and you must plan in a detailed and methodical way. It also requires a degree of physical fitness and mental preparedness for what will be a difficult and possibly frightening experience. The precise location of your property will be critical in deciding whether to stay and defend or leave early. More...

Seeking information

Obtaining accurate information about what is going on during a fire will always be difficult, especially in an area such as ours where bushfires always spread quickly.

You need to begin gathering information early on high risk days. That means using the CFA and DSE websites, listening to ABC 774 Local Radio, listening for other indications of activity such as fire sirens and truck movements.

Please do not ring the fire station seeking information about fires in the area as there may not be anyone in attendance and, if there is, the phone line will be needed for operational purposes.

Community meeting

About 350 people attended a community meeting at the Ferny Creek Horticultural Society hall on Sunday 15th February. Brigade Captain John Schauble provided an update of the brigade’s commitment to bushfire effort. Community Safety presenter Graham Crichton delivered a truncated Fire Ready session before the floor was opened to questions. Photos...

Donating money for bushfire victims

A number of appeals to raise money for bushfire relief are being run concurrently. The principal appeal is being run by the Red Cross. Details of how to donate money to that appeal can be found here.
16th Feb Fire at Peters Rd, Tecoma
Three trucks from the brigade attended a scrub fire which broke out in an area between Peters Road and Terrys Avenue shortly after 5pm on Sunday 15th February. A unit from Sassafras-Ferny Creek was first on scene, closely followed by a vehicle from Belgrave, in whose fire district the outbreak occurred. Despite quick action from both brigades, the fire was fanned by a south-easterly breeze and eventually burnt an area of approximately 4.5 hectares. Two water bombing aircraft, a bulldozer and more than 20 fire trucks and crews attended. Homes in the immediate area of Tecoma were at risk from ember attack, but there was no property damage. Threat warnings were issued for residents in Ferny Creek, Sherbrooke, Kallista, Tecoma and Belgrave as the fire developed. The security of the Sassafras and Ferny Creek areas was maintained by “stepping up” a unit from Kalorama brigade into the Sassafras-Ferny Creek fire station. Police are investigating the cause of the fire.
13th Feb Victorian Bushfires - CFA Community Meeting
Sunday, 15th February 2009, 3pm
Ferny Creek Horticultural Society,
Hilton Rd, Sassafras Melway 75 E1

An update on the current fire situation, community safety issues and local dimensions. All welcome.
11th Feb Victorian Bushfires, February 2009

Our community has been extremely fortunate not to have been directly affected by the bushfires that have burned in many parts of the state with tragic consequences.

Many members of our brigade have been tasked on fires at Bunyip and in the Yarra Valley on a continuous basis since Saturday. One of our vehicles has been allocated to strike team duty in fire affected areas over the same period. Other brigade members have been involved in communications, logistics and a range of operational roles as volunteers and as CFA staff.

The bushfire emergency is far from over. The fire danger locally, while not immediately of concern, could escalate quickly in hot and windy conditions. The brigade’s priority remains to ensure adequate response coverage at a local level.

The community’s support is critical to our efforts. Residents are encouraged to review their bushfire plans or to seek further information on how to develop a plan to deal with a local bushfire emergency. The links on this website are a good starting point.

Information on the current fire situation can be found here: http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/incidents/incident_updates.htm

Information on preparing your family and property for bushfire can be found here: http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/residents/living/index.htm

Further information about how to support victims of the current fires and other ways in which you can help can be found here: http://www.ourcommunity.com.au/giving/giving_article.jsp?articleId=4026

The brigade is very appreciative of the many messages of support and offers of assistance we have received over recent days.

Thank you.

John Schauble
Captain
Sun 1st Feb Local fire danger reaches critical point
Fire danger in the local area has reached a critical point in recent days. More...
Sat 31st Jan Sassafras unit sent to Endeavour Hills
A crew of firefighters and a Sassafras tanker joined the efforts to extinguish a 40 hectare fire that broke out in the vicinity of Churchill Park Drive, Endeavour Hills on Friday.

2008

Wed 25th Dec Seasons Greetings to all in Sassafras and Ferny Creek
That big, jolly fellow in red was back in town Christmas Eve. The brigade wishes all in our community safe and joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year. Photo gallery...
Sun 14th Dec Carols on the Mountain washed out
Appalling weather over the weekend forced the cancellation of the popular annual Carols on the Mountain event at Ferny Creek on Saturday night. More... (icon 30KB)
Sat 13th Dec Carols on the Mountain cancelled
Due to the extreme weather conditions predicted for today, the brigade regrets to announce that Carols on the Mountain 2008 has been cancelled.
Wed 19th Nov Fire Danger Period begins 1st December
Residents should note that CFA fire restrictions will come into force across the Shire of Yarra Ranges on Monday 1st December at 1am.
Sun 9th Nov Carols on the Mountain... it's back!
The popular Carols on the Mountain will be held at the Ferny Creek Recreation Reserve on Saturday 13 December. More... (icon 30KB)
Thu 6th Nov Fire Danger Period to commence soon
It's time to do some fire prevention works around your property before the FDP starts, says CFA Yarra Area Operations Manager Graeme Armstrong.
More... (icon 25KB)
Sat 20th Sep Hazelwood deployment
Brigade lieutentant Geoff Horner was among a large contingent of CFA personnel sent to Hazelwood south of Morwell in Gippsland over the past week to combat a fire that broke out in an open cut coal mine there. The fire, which burned for several days, was in a non-operational coal face and did not damage any operational infrastructure. Power supplies and mining operations were not affected.
Sun 14th Sep Cranbourne deployment
Sassafras-Ferny Creek brigade captain John Schauble was deployed to the Brookland Greens Estate in Cranbourne at the weekend in his role as a CFA Community Safety facilitator. CFA conducted a series of street corner meetings to provide advice to residents affected by a major methane gas incident arising from a disused refuse tip adjacent to the estate.
Thu 11th Sep Junior brigade celebrates
The Junior Brigade marked its 37th anniversary today with a demonstration of skills learned by up-and-coming firefighters. The annual birthday bash, complete with cake and supper, is a highlight of the brigade calendar. Josh Wallis was named as Firefighter of the Year, with Brodie Leticq, Gage Foik and Rhianne Cottam-Starky also taking out awards.
Fri 4th Jul Parliamentary Inquiry into Bushfires and Public Land
The Environment and Natural Resources Committee of the Victorian Parliament has released its report into the Impact of Public Land Management Practices on Bushfires in Victoria. Both the Sassafras-Ferny Creek Fire Brigade and the Ferny Creek Bushfire Alert Siren Committee Inc were invited to make submissions to the inquiry. The final report of the committee, along with transcripts of evidence and other associated material are available online.
Tue 10th Jun New burning off law
The Shire of Yarra Ranges has introduced a new local law in relation to open air burning, which comes into effect next month. More... (icon 41KB)
Sun 1st Jun Brigade stalwarts honoured
The significant contributions to the local community of a number of brigade members were recognised recently. More... (icon 34KB)
Sun 18th May Clean that chimney!
Every year the brigade is called out to a number of preventable chimney fires. More... (icon 39KB)
Tue 8th Apr Fuel reduction burns in Sassafras and Ferny Creek
The DSE and Parks Victoria plans to conduct fuel reduction burns in the Dandenong Ranges National Park on the Mountain Highway (5ha) and in the One Tree Hill area (44ha) on Wednesday and Thursday of this week, conditions permitting. Residents should expect significant amounts of smoke, particularly from the One Tree Hill burn. For information on planned burns, contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) on 1800 240 667. Information is also available at www.dse.vic.gov.au/fires
Tue 25th Mar Change your smoke alarm battery!
It's nearly time to change your clock... and check your smoke alarm.
More... (icon 40KB)
Mon 17th Mar Extreme caution urged as CFA fire restrictions are lifted early
Brigade calls on residents to exercise extreme caution when burning off and also consider the interests of their neighbours. Press release (icon 35KB)
Fri 15th Feb Brigade bushfire safety booklet wins national award
Living with Bushfire, a booklet produced the brigade has won national recognition in the Emergency Management Australia 2007 Safer Communities Awards. Read the press release (icon 118KB) or download the booklet from our Publications page.
Mon 28th Jan House fires a year-round menace
While the threat of bushfire is real, "ordinary" house fires can catch us unaware. More... (icon 35KB)
Sat 5th Jan Edward Geldard 1961-2007
Remembering a friend and colleague. More... (icon 114KB)

2007

Mon 24th Dec Santa Spotted in Sassafras & Ferny Creek!
Exclusive pictures of the big man in red seen in the local area on Christmas Eve.
Photo gallery...
Sat 15th Dec Carols on the Mountain 2007
More than 500 people tonight joined Australian opera great Suzanne Johnston, the Sing Australia choir, the National Youth Chorale, the Sweet Sassafras gospel group, choirs from Sassafras and Ferny Creek primary schools, combined Upwey and Monbulk high school bands and the Hart School of Dance for another spectacular Carols on the Mountain at the Ferny Creek Recreation Reserve.
Photo gallery...
Thu 13th Dec Community attitudes to bushfire
A CFA survey conducted in high bushfire risk areas in metropolitan Melbourne indicates that many residents are not well prepared for fire. The survey of over 1000 households shows many people have failed to plan adequately for dealing with bushfire. Read the results... (icon 116KB)
Thu 13th Dec Deployment to South Australia
Sassafras-Ferny Creek volunteer Geoff Pfeifer this weekend joins a 200-strong Victorian joint agency deployment to the Kangaroo Island fires in South Australia. Geoff will work in a logistics role as part of an incident management team.
Wed 12th Dec Parliamentary Inquiry Submission
Both the brigade and the Ferny Creek Bushfire Alert Siren Committee Inc were recently invited to make submissions to a parliamentary inquiry into the Impact of Public Land Management Practices on Bushfires in Victoria. Transcripts are available online:
Brigade submission (icon 39KB)
Siren Committee submission (icon 35KB)
Sun 25th Nov New truck for Sassafras-Ferny Creek
Monbulk MLA Hon. James Merlino has officially presented the keys to a new 3000 litre, four-wheel drive tanker to the brigade. Read the press release... (icon 59KB)
Mon 12th Nov Summer 2007/08 CFA Fire Restrictions are now in force throughout the Shire of Yarra Ranges.
Tue 25th Sep Local bushfire safety booklet wins award
A bushfire safety booklet produced by a local CFA brigade has been recognised in the 2007 Emergency Management Australia Safer Communities Awards.
Read the press release
(icon 53KB) or download the booklet from our Publications page.

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