Lorne Victoria Australia

Lorne finally got its Fire Brigade, the Lorne Urban Fire Brigade was registered on July 1st, 1936 – this was the first brigade on the southern coast . During 1937 it attended five calls.

No. 1, 2-4-1937 FRIDAY.
Three quarters of a mile from the station – Just a small outbreak and was quite easily got under control and effectively extinguished. Attended by Captain Ernie A Allen, Lieutenant George Huxley, Secretary Charles R Browne and five firemen.

No. 2, 6-5-1937 THURSDAY.

Small outbreak just outside town boundary in Public Park and got within 50 yards of nearest buildings. Stopped without much difficulty nearest house being unoccupied at the time.

No. 3, 3-7-1937 SATURDAY.

A short circuit in the amplifiers at the Lorne Picture Theatre. Remarks – The firemen were present at the picture show and quickly got the outbreak under control. We have been informed by the Secretary of the company (Mr Albert E Jarratt, Lorne) that no claim will be made for insurance.

No. 4, 10-8-1937 TUESDAY.

A grass fire started in marram grass on the front beach. Several bathing boxes were in danger but the fire was soon under control and no damage done.

No. 5, 26-11-1937 FRIDAY.

A bush fire, 9 miles from station – Alarm received at 11-30am, arrived at fire 11-SSam, returned to station Spm. Remarks The fire was under way when the alarm was received but managed to save all properties including Hotel and four houses. Several firemen received burns. The Secretary and eight men were detailed to remain at Station in case of further emergency within boundary area.

Lorne Fire Brigade (standing Smith, Holiday, Todd, Fletcher, Schram, Lay, N.Fletcher, Alsop, Love, N.Alsop; seated, Howard, Hall, Allen, Huxley) (LHS photo 1748)

The Lorne Fire Brigade was formed in 1936. Brigade members were handicapped because of limited equipment, but nevertheless the devoted members gave the town the very best security they could. The members must have looked resplendent in their uniforms because one resident returning to Lorne after a long absence commented, “The Captain looks more like an Arch Duke in his uniform”.

Lorne’s Fire Brigade is now a part of The Country and Rural Fire Brigade and is part of a large State-wide network. Their equipment has been substantially upgraded and is now modern and sophisticated.

A modern communication system ensures immediate response from other brigades, spotter aircraft or aerial water bombers if needed. Bushfires in the densely forested Otway Ranges have long been a cause for concern and are an immense challenge for everyone, but when we hear the shrill haunting sound of the siren these days we residents can feel a lot safer.

Lorne has had its share of tragedy due to fire. Black Thursday of 1919, Black Friday on January 13th 1939 and no one will forget February 17th 1983 when Ash Wednesday brought indescribable devastation and a tragic loss of life. Large tracts of our local forests have been burned many times and given the right or ‘wrong’ conditions it is extremely difficult to fight a raging bushfire driven by a scorching hot wind and it can be very dangerous, even today, for all those trying to control it.

Most of the rural fire fighters are volunteers who can ill afford the time they often have to give freely to defend their community. The residents of Lorne and the surrounding areas owe a huge debt to all the members of the brigade, past and present who have risked their lives to benefit others. Even with all our modern knowledge, equipment and training, the risk is still very real.