Yamba fired up for the future | Northern Rivers News | Local News in Northern Rivers

Marsha | 28th November 2009

NSW Fire Brigades Deputy Commissioner John Benson, zone

WHEN the Yamba Fire Brigade put out its first fire at Tom Mitchell’s pharmacy in Yamba Street, June 1957, members of the brigade had to be able to get to the station from their home in three minutes.

If you were 12 years old, you could jump on the back of the fire truck and help stamp out a fire.

And so the early days of the Yamba Fire Brigade were recalled by one of its founding members, Trevor Phillips, at the official opening of the station’s renovations yesterday in the sweltering heat.

The engine bay was crammed with uniform-clad members of the local police command, the SES, Salvation Army, community groups and council representatives who joined the NSW Fire Brigades Deputy Commissioner, John Benson, at the opening.

Even a small group of Maclean pre-schoolers were there to sing the praises of their local firefighters.

“It is truly justified how much esteem this station is held in,” Deputy Commissioner Benson said.

“When ever I come to regional NSW I am overwhelmed at its natural beauty and the kindness of the people.”

It’s been nearly a year since the $300,000 works to the little station were completed. The transformation of the station, according to the Yamba Fire captain, Alan Brooks, has been unbelievable and allowed the station to grow from 12 to 16 staff.

“We have a new function room with a kitchenette, locker room, change area, showers and toilet and storeroom. There used to be only an office, toilet and engine bay – you’d go home without a shower and often jump straight into bed,” he said.

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