TOM Ford vividly remembers the first fire he ever attended.
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It was 1940 and he and his father were called out to a raging grassfire in Waubra in the middle of summer. It was just before the establishment of the historic brigade which sits in Creswick Street. Prior to the township’s fire station being built, Mr Ford’s family used to keep the only fire truck, a historic Chevrolet army tanker in their driveway.
“I learnt more at that first fire than I did in my fifty years as a volunteer firefighter with the Miners Rest CFA,” Mr Ford said.
“I can still remember the burning heat of the fire as we neared it.”
The historic fire truck still takes pride of place at the Miners Rest fire station, despite almost being burnt beyond repair in the 1940s. Like former CFA volunteers of his vintage, Mr Ford has seen a lot over the years.
The veteran firefighter will share his stories at reunion set to bring together decades of volunteers.
The reunion will be held at the Miners Rest Fire Station, Creswick Street, Miners Rest on Sunday from 1pm. Details call Mr Ford on 5334 6370.
