After a 20-year wait, Coimadai fire brigade has a new shed to house fire trucks and equipment.
Coimadai CFA treasurer Jim Ross said the $100,000 addition to the Russell Road site was desperately needed and would improve the efficiency of the 17 brigade volunteers.
“Our old station was 40 years old and it just couldn’t house all the equipment and vehicles,” he said.
Mr Ross said the new facility was built as a result of contributions from residents and CFA volunteers.
“Over the past two decades, we’ve done door knocks, trips to the casino, a wine week, clearance sales and boot sales . . . the community has been so generous.”
Meanwhile, Bacchus Marsh CFA has issued a stern warning for Moorabool and Melton residents to be vigilant of potential fire hazards in their home during winter.
Fourth lieutenant Dale Salathiel said it was all about taking preventive measures.
From January 1 this year until the end of May, there were 141 residential fires in Ballarat and the surrounding areas, including Moorabool.
“Now’s the time to act . . . by ensuring appliances such as electric blankets and heaters are turned off when not in use and having your chimneys cleaned and heaters serviced,” Mr Salathiel said.
“Even ensuring it’s clean and uncluttered around your whole house is crucial.
“There may be a fire in the bedroom, but if we can’t easily access it through the hallways and other rooms it creates a further danger.”
Mr Salathiel also warned residents to check the age of their appliances.
“Any that have frayed cords or are faulty can cause electrical faults,” he said. “Overloaded powerboards are a significant hazard, too.”
