Blaxland Brigade History

This entry on the Brigade's Web Page is taken from the Brigade History book produced in 1979 - 1980 It is not intended to be an exhaustive history of the Brigade in full detail. The entries, stories and anecdotes are intended to give the reader an insight into how the Brigade was formed, how we performed originally and the situations in which we found ourselves and the difficulties under which we operated.
If and when further information comes to hand, and as time progresses ( we are now another 21 years beyond where this section of the history terminates ) more details will be added to this as an ongoing record of the activities of

BLAXLAND VOLUNTEER BUSHFIRE BRIGADE.

The book was compiled by a committee of Brigade members comprising Rob Croft, Peter McKervey, Ralph Mitchell, John Newton and Graham Ware, all long-serving members of the Brigade. Grateful thanks are extended for their efforts.
Also, acknowledgement is given to the late Dr. George Munro, Mr. Bill Yeaman, The Blue Mountains Gazette, Mr. Bernard Dowling, the Blaxland Progress Association and many members of the Brigade, past and present, who together made this history book a fact and a published document.

Foreword by Dr. George Munro ,

Patron of Blaxland Volunteer Bushfire Brigade.

BUSHFIRES IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS

The climatic development in Australia over the ages has been such that bushfires have become a natural recurrent phenomenon. Accordingly, the flora and fauna which we know today are those which have evolved and ability to survive and propagate their species. The trees themselves have a remarkable power of recovery after a fire. Many plants burst into life and flower and some seeds only then germinate. The ashes also assist growth. Bushfires, no doubt, provide a regulatory mechanism to maintain the ecological balance by periodically drastically reducing the incidence of many pests and diseases. It seems possible that the occurrence of dieback in certain areas due to excessive numbers of insect predators is largely due to the absence of recent bushfire. Before the arrival of man, lightning was probably the main cause of bushfires and the aborigines may have started some, but in recent times, most have been started by careless people. There has been a recurrence period from seven to ten years, depending mainly on the build up of fuel and the occurrence of strong hot west winds. The object of fire brigades should be, therefore, not to try to prevent bushfire -- an impossible task anyway -- but to control them as far as possible for the benefit of the residents.

In the early days of Blaxland, the settlers were very fire conscious, but their defensive equipment was limited mainly to beaters or hoes and rakes. These were effective only in incipient fires or burning breaks. On the approach of a major fire, the only defense was to burn back. At one period, the railway station mistress serve in place of an alarm bell by calling out "Fire" from the appropriate end of the station platform.

Water reticulation was a great step forward and a formal bushfire brigade replace uncoordinated effort. The original Blaxland Volunteer Bushfire Brigade did a fine job but the Government Authorities became concerned at the various brigades and they were disbanded, leaving protection to the N.S.W. Fire Brigade. This caused apprehension among local residents, as the N.S.W. Fire Brigade could only operate in built-up areas and could not burn breaks. These doubts were justified in the 1957 fire and pressure from progress associations and the Blue Mountains Progress Federation persuaded the Government to accept a new arrangement of fire brigades under Council control.

Because of an interim arrangement by Blaxland Progress Association, the Blaxland Brigade was the first to be established and it has always been in the forefront of improving efficiency, as will be evident from its history. This efficiency could only be achieved by the constant activity of an enthusiastic group of members such as Blaxland Brigade has always been. It is to be congratulated on its 21 years of unceasing vigilance and excellent achievements.

History of the Brigade prior to 1958

The earliest written record of a Blaxland Volunteer Bushfire Brigade appears in the minutes of the Blaxland Progress Association in a report on the 1951 - 52 bushfires.
During this bad bushfire season, excellent work was done by the Brigade but the inadequacy of the equipment was evident to everyone. It was decided to acquire a fire truck with a water tank. As the need was urgent and a suitable Blitz wagon with a Chevrolet engine located, a number of public-spirited citizens offered to lend sufficient money to enable it to be purchased and equipped. A Women's Auxiliary, formed to raise money to pay off the debt, held a number of functions which yielded sufficient money to cover half of the total cost which was approximately Ł350.
Throughout the 1952-53 summer the fire danger was much less and the truck was only used on a few occasions. A shed was built for it in Ross Crescent (formerly Elsie's View) on a block of land given by Council. At a conference held on 5th July, 1952, the control of fire fighting in the Blue Mountains was transferred to the N.S.W. Fire Brigade and Volunteer Brigades were no longer permissible. Many Blaxland residents were far from happy with the facilities and plans of the N.S.W. Fire Brigade as explained to them and were particularly anxious not to surrender any protection they had until something equivalent was provided. It was, however, necessary for the Blaxland Volunteer Bushfire Brigade to be disbanded. To keep the equipment in the district it was decided to request the Blaxland Progress Association to take over the Brigade's assets and liabilities.

The meeting for the transfer was held in the R.S.L. hut in Bourke Street on 7th September,1953. Alderman McQueen, President of the Brigade, chaired the meeting. The following points were put forward.
1. It would be a pity to sacrifice the truck for a paltry Ł100 which was its current market price.
2. It would be possible to retain the truck by raising approximately Ł200 by obtaining a donation of Ł1 per house in Blaxland.
3. The current funds of the Brigade totaled Ł157/16/1.

The following motions were then put and carried.
1. That the Progress Association form a committee to be known as the Home and Property Protection Committee.
2. That the Executive of the Brigade be empowered to make arrangements with the Progress Association to take possession of the assets and liabilities of the Brigade.
3. That the money held by the Ladies Auxiliary and the Brigade be paid to the holders of the Bill of Sale of the truck on a pro rata basis.

Home and Property Protection Committee.
The Committee's first meeting was held on the 18th November 1953, and it outlined the Committee's functions. They were as follows:
1) Preventative measures. i.e. Hazard reduction.

2) Support of local officers of the N.S.W. Fire Brigade by:
a) Provision and servicing of extra equipment
b) Recruitment of auxiliary firemen.
c) Assistance in organising an observation network.
d) Raising funds (Women's Auxiliary to be appointed at a later date).

It was suggested:
1) That all activities be in close collaboration with the N.S.W. Fire Brigade officers.
2) That all actual fire-fighting must be under the direction of N.S.W. Fire Brigade officers.

The fire truck was the responsibility of the Progress Association and was not to be used except at the request of the N.S.W. Fire Brigade. The Committee appointed three volunteer firemen: Mr. R. Dodsworth, Mr. S. Piggott and Mr. J. Cobden and a number of citizens were registered as auxiliaries to assist in the event of emergencies. As the fire truck was rarely being used, it was decided to sell it. The truck was parked on the highway and advertised as a "complete fire unit". The truck is believed to have been sold for approximately Ł200. Since the Home and Property Committee did not have a Fire Station to store its gear, the equipment which was the property of the Progress Association was kept by the members at their homes, and all residents of Blaxland were made aware of this.

By 1955 the Committee had:
1) A Co-ordinating Officer who directed volunteers to duties as required.
2) A Transport Officer to organise transportation of volunteers in private vehicles to fires.
3) Facilities to supply food and drink to fire fighters in the field.
4) A First Aid Post.

In late 1956 the Home and Property Committee made representation to the board of Fire Commissioners expressing its dissatisfaction with the fire fighting facilities in Blaxland. The Committee changed its name to the Blaxland Protection Committee and formed a sub-committee to deal with finance, publicity and public relations. The Committee sought to increase membership by delivering application forms to all residents of Blaxland.
The 1957-58 fire season brought a large fire which caused wide-spread damage throughout the Blue Mountains. More than 180 houses, shops, schools etc. were destroyed and the damage was estimated at Ł1.5m. In Blaxland only one house in Bridge Road and a garage in Rusden Road were burnt down although a large area of bushland was severely burnt.
The reason for the minimal property loss in Blaxland was due to a fire in October 1957 which burnt from Blaxland Tip through the gully then up along the Mt. Riverview ridge. This had the effect of stopping the large fire burning past Boorea Street.
Following the busy bushfire season of 1957-58, there was little danger of further serious fires, so the Committee concentrated on instructing residents in fire protection and planning. The Blaxland area was divided into Fire Protection Zones and a Warden was appointed to each zone.

The Reformation of the Bushfire Brigade Organisation

In September 1958 a conference was held to organise the reformation of the Bushfire Brigade organisation under the control of a fire Control Officer. The conference was presided over by the Under Secretary and was attended by members of the Board of Fire Commissioners, Police Department, Forestry Commission, State Bushfire Committee and the Water Board.
The State Government , as a result of the major bushfire of 1957, allocated Ł12,000 for the Blue Mountains Bushfire District. The conference appointed Mr. R. Hammond, Forestry Officer at Blackheath, as the first Fire Control Officer. His territory took in 23 towns and covered 450 square miles of wild bush country. All regular firemen and volunteers came under the control of the F.C.O. whilst combating fires outside water reticulated areas, but once a fire spread to within a water reticulated area ( usually about one mile each side of a main railway station) the Board of Fire Commissioners took control.
The conference also proposed to establish 15 Bushfire Brigades, one of which was to be Blaxland. Mr. Angus King, Deputy City Engineer, was given the task of reforming the Brigades. Since Mr. King had been a Warrant Officer during the second World War ,he organised the Brigades along army lines. The Blue Mountains was divided into three Sectors, and each Sector was colour coded. East Sector, to which Blaxland belongs, was colour coded yellow. Each Brigade within the Sectors was given a second colour (Blaxland's was green) and that is how the Yellow and Green colours of Blaxland originated.

The History of Blaxland Volunteer Bushfire Brigade 1958 - 1979

1958 - 1959 Reformation of the Brigade.

A public meeting was held on 28th November 1958 in the Progress Association Hall to reform the Brigade.
A motion was put and carried which stipulated that members of the Brigade could not belong to any other Bushfire organisation operating in Blaxland. The meeting was told by Alderman Ern Lesslie, representing the Mayor, that some equipment would be issued by the Blue mountains City Council, who would remain the owner of the equipment, but the Brigade would be responsible for it. Nominations were called and the following officers were elected:

President: R. Campbell
Secretary: R. Lamberton
Treasurer: A. Reynolds
Captain: K. Breckell
Vice-Captains: W. Carpenter
J. Scull
N. Jack

It was suggested intending members sign their names on a piece of paper and 24 signatures were obtained.
The first General Meeting of the Brigade was held on 11th December 1958 and 23 people attended. The Constitution was adopted and the following additional officers were elected:

A. Carruthers, Senior Vice Captain
F. Connell, Vice President

The first executive meeting of the Brigade was held on 19th December 1958 and was attended by eight members.
The following was decided:
1 A cheque account be opened at the Wales branch in Penrith. (There were no banks in Blaxland).
2 A Social Committee was to be formed to organise fund raising activities.
The call-out procedure was organised as follows:
There were two call-out points. The first was Bill Carpenter's garage in Cherrywood Avenue and the second was at the C. J. Welsh office opposite the Railway Station. When the alarm was sounded members assembled at either of the assembly points where the Captain or Senior Vice Captain would advise the location of the fire, and determine the number of vehicles required for transport. The Secretary was to set up a H.Q. at the first assembly point and would be responsible for communications between Captain, Police, Board of fire Commissioners and Ambulances etc. It must be remembered that radio was not available at this early stage. The first issue of fire fighting equipment from Blue Mountains City Council consisted of six knapsacks and six McLeod tools and these were kept at the first assembly point.
The Brigade took delivery of No. 1 Bushfire Vehicle at Katoomba on 22nd September 1959. The vehicle was an ex-RAAF Wireless truck which was purchased for Ł800. Blaxland had to raise Ł100 towards the cost of the vehicle, and to do this a fete was held in Blaxland Park. At this stage the Brigade did not have a Fire Station and so the vehicle was housed in a garage adjoining the office of C. J. Welch. In order to fit the truck inside the garage the floor had to be lowered. As the floor was only earth the lowering involved digging out approximately one foot of dirt along each tyre track.

1959 - 1960

The Brigade's records from 1959 to December 1960 have been lost. It appears that the Brigade during this period was primarily involved in fitting out the fire truck as well as acquiring additional fire fighting equipment.
Towards the latter part of 1960 plans were drawn up for the construction of a Fire Station in Wilson Way. Up until the Brigade moved into the fire station it used the Progress Association Hall in Ross Crescent for its meetings.
During this two-year period the Brigade turned out to only eleven fires. The reason for so few fires was due to a lack of fuel on the ground which was only starting to recover from the 1957-58 fire.
The first annual Field Day was held during this period at Bulls Camp, Woodford.

1961

The Brigade attended 12 fires throughout the year.
This year was very important for the Brigade. On Saturday 8th April the Fire station was officially opened by the Deputy mayor Alderman W. Sadler. The 22' x 15' Station has since been extended twice.
On the morning of the ceremony the Brigade turned out to a fire on the highway at Blaxland. That in itself is not unusual; the funny part was that a member of Glenbrook Brigade was clearing a block of land, and when he lit the fire to burn off, a large turpentine tree caught fire.
During the year the Brigade acquired a large fire bell from Lawson Town Brigade. The lucky members of Blaxland who went to collect it had to weather a snow storm. A smaller fire bell was obtained from Lithgow Brigade. The number of active members in the Brigade totaled 57. At the annual Field Day held at Blackheath the Brigade was third overall.

1962

A total of 26 fires were attended during the year. The largest fire which started on 10th October and lasted until 13th October was situated in the Springwood / Warrimoo area.
The Brigade took part in a publicity programme for B.P. Australia using the Company's wetting agent.
During the year a fund raising drive was held through Blaxland and raised Ł180. The hose drying whip was erected in June and the bell from Lawson was mounted at the top.
At the annual Field Day the Brigade improved on its previous year's performance to finish second overall.

1963

The Brigade attended 17 fires during the year. Of the 17 fires one involved a house in Rusden road to which the Brigade arrived within four minutes of receiving the call. The balance were all scrub fires.
This year was one of the most important for the Blue Mountains Bushfire Brigades. On 20th February VL2KL became operational and from that time onward, radio became an essential part of Bushfire Brigade equipment.
Looking back it is hard to imagine the Brigade operating without radio. Communications in pre radio days consisted of a member driving or riding from one crew to another and back to the H.Q. if necessary to pass on instructions and up to date fire reports.
Blaxland Brigade held its first radio exercise on 8th March. On 17th May the Brigade took part in the sesquicentenary celebrations , however no demonstrations were possible because of the rain.
At a Captains' meeting at Katoomba on 17th June the Brigade's area of responsibility was defined. (This was prior to the formation of Mt. Riverview and Glenbrook/Lapstone Brigades).

1964

A total of 22 fires were attended during the year. None of these were considered to be major.
The first fire attended that year was on 7th January at Murphy's Glen. This was the first time the radio was used at a fire by Blaxland. During the year the main activity for the Brigade was centered on the familiarisation of the Brigade members with radio. Two way radios were installed in the Fire Truck and Fire Station and some hand sets were acquired. The radio in the Fire Station served two purposes.. Firstly it provided a base for Blaxland and secondly it was used as a booster for VL2KL until one was built at Faulconbridge.
At one of the fires during the year Barry Crampton broke his ankle. Although it may not seem of great importance, it highlighted the lack of workers' compensation and insurance available for volunteer bushfire fighters. As a result of the injury steps were taken which eventually led to all volunteer bushfire fighters being adequately covered. Blaxland Brigade set up a Relief Fund to advance money needed by injured Brigade members until compensation was paid. The Relief fund is still in operation although there has never been any claim made on it.

1965

The number of fires for the year was 25. The most serious in so far as property damage was concerned started on the afternoon of 14th March at the Blue Pool Glenbrook. The fire burnt up to Wright Street Glenbrook where it threatened several houses. Ten Brigades were in attendance. Approximately 100 acres were burnt out but no houses were burnt down.
During the year the Brigade acquired its first chain saw. The old metal knapsacks were replaced by five-gallon plastic ones.

1966

This year was very quiet as far as bushfires were concerned. The Brigade only received eight fire calls.
A lot of the time was spent on the maintenance of the fire truck. In February tenders were called to respray the truck from yellow to Bushfire Red.
In June the Brigade wrote to the F.C.O. and offered to pay Ł100 towards the purchase of land Rover CDM 007 which was to be disposed of by the Army.
This was the year the Brigade commenced its annual Christmas Tree cutting exercise. This annual activity continues to provide the Brigade with an excellent source of income due to the support and generosity of the local residents. In that first year approximately 100 trees were cut and sold. In recent years this number has approached the six hundred mark.

1967

Another quiet year for the Brigade with only ten fire calls. By far the most memorable and serious fire occurred at Narrow Neck. Starting on 19th December. This fire was the most dangerous that the Brigade had encountered up to that stage.
In February the Brigade took delivery of Jeep No. 1 from Katoomba-Leura Brigade. Due to insufficient space at the Fire Station both the Jeep and trailer had to be housed in a private garage.
This year saw the introduction of white safety helmets, and the Blue Mountains City council issued the Brigade with 12 of them. Up until this time it was left up to the individual members as to their choice of headgear. The army slouch hat was the most popular choice.
During the year the first extension was added on to the Fire Station. This enabled the Jeep and trailer to be garaged at the Fire Station with the tanker.

1968

This is the year that stirs the memories of most Blue Mountains residents. During the year a total of 31 fires were attended by the Brigade. Of the 31 fires, one will never be forgotten.
This was the fire that started at Bilpin in mid-September to which the Brigade was committed in October. The fire moved across to North Springwood then went back into the Grose Valley, where I remained until 20th November when it came out in the form of a raging inferno.
The Brigade was committed again on 20th November and was not stood down until 2nd December. In that time 40 homes in the Blaxland area were burnt to the ground including those of five Brigade members.
A fire in Dawn Crescent in August created a fire break which saved Mt. Riverview from the November fire.
On a happier note, the Brigade took delivery of Bedford Tanker No. 1 on 1st August.
The Blitz tanker was handed over to the Valley Heights Bushfire Brigade where it continued to provide good service for a further 10 years. The front page of the 1978 Penrith Telephone directory had a photo of the Blitz in service with Valley Heights. The Blitz is now with the Shipley Bushfire Brigade.

1969

The year was very quiet for fire call, with only five being received. This was due to the fact that very little remained unburnt after the previous year's devastation.
Following the 1968 fire discussions were held on the formation of a Mt. Riverview and a Glenbrook/Lapstone Bushfire Brigade. When the two Brigades were formed, Blaxland offered to loan some firefighting equipment.
On 14th August the Brigade received a 1964 Land Rover as a personnel carrier to replace the Jeep.
No. 1 Jeep was given to Blackheath Bushfire Brigade.
An activity of a different kind which the Brigade participated in during the year was the search for Vicki Barton who was abducted from Lawson.
The Brigade attended the Sutherland Shire Field Day and gained equal first place for visiting Brigades.
As a mark of respect for the three Bushfire Brigade members who were killed during the 1968 fire, the Brigade assisted Warrimoo Bushfire Brigade with the construction of their memorial project.
The latter part of the year saw the introduction of coloured overalls. Up until this stage most members had been wearing navy blue overalls, but now yellow ones became available. Today yellow overalls are worn by nearly all Brigades.

1970

This year started off quietly with the first fire call not received until July. By the end of the year a total of 15 fires had been attended but none were of major significance. Fires at Turramurra and Campbelltown in October resulted in Brigades being moved out of their area to attend a fire. Today this is common practice when required. Other activities for the year included the first "Easter Bunny", assistance with the rescue of an injured bushwalker at Mt. Hay, and a search for a missing woman at Mt. Riverview. In July the Brigade provided assistance for an aerial ignition at Wentworth Falls.
Bernard Dowling resigned as F.C.O. during the year and was made the first honorary Member of the Brigade. Phil Koperberg was appointed as the F.C.O. and still holds the position at the publication of this history.
In September the Land Rover was replaced by a long wheel base version of the Land Rover.

1971

Another quiet year for the Brigade with only seven fires occurring.
Members spent some time in making the appearance of the Fire Station more presentable by painting and tree planting etc. The remainder of the year was spent on maintenance and purchase of equipment.
Toward the end of the year the Brigade was offered a Studebaker which required modification to be used as a water tanker.

1972

The Brigade responded to 11 fire calls, all of them occurring between September and December.
Early in the year the Brigade assisted in a film being made in the Blue Mountains National Park.
In August following the usual severe westerly winds and rain the Brigade was called to assist with the removal of trees from roads and yards. One irate citizen came out to complain about the noise of the chain saws to find Brigade members removing a tree from the roof of his car. No further complaints were uttered.
In November the Studebaker finally arrived and a committee was formed to plan the necessary modifications. A 1000 gallon water tank was provided free of charge as was the pump.
Council were asked to approve a 30' x 15' extension to the existing Fire Station to enable the Studebaker to be garaged. The extension was to be made to the eastern end of the Station

1973

19 fires were encountered during the year. The Brigade was involved in the search for a missing man in Warrimoo. whose body was eventually found.
The Brigade conducted a doorknock appeal and raised Łfrom the residents of Blaxland. This money was put toward the cost of the extension and redecoration of the Fire Station.
Much of the members' time during the year was spent on the Studebaker conversion.
The Brigade commenced collecting aluminium cans for recycling, and the activity continues to provide a steady source of income.
By the end of the year the extension to the Fire station had commenced.

1974

The Brigade responded to 25 calls throughout the year, none of which caused any great concern.
Allan Carruthers who had been Captain of the Brigade from 1959 - 1964 and from 1967 - 1972 was elected as deputy Group Captain for east sector. On 5th July in appreciation of the time and effort which Allan had put into the Brigade, he was made an Honorary Life Membeer.
The monthly meeting, which are not renowned as being exciting nights' entertainment, certainly proved to be just that on 26th July. Just as the meeting was getting bogged down, it had to be abandoned for the following reasons:
1. The westerly winds had brought a tree down near peoples' houses.
2. A fire was reported at Emu Plains
3. A second fire started on the railway line.
4. A third fire broke out in Wilson Way.

At the annual Field Day on 15th September the Studebaker was formally handed over to the Blue Mountains Group of Bushfire Brigades and was officially known as the Bulk Water carrier No.1.

1975

A total of 20 fires were attended by the Brigade.
In January the Brigade sent volunteers to Wentworth for 10 days to assist with a large fire. Also in January the Brigade responded to a major outbreak in the Baulkham Hills Shire. The year started at a scorching pace with nine of the fires happening at the beginning of February. A house fire was attended in Rusden Road in July. The house was burnt to the ground however the neighbouring houses which were also alight were saved.
The Ladies Auxiliary was asked if it would be interested to train as Station Officers to man the Station during daytime fires during the week when limited numbers of Brigade members were available for crews. In May several members of the Ladies' Auxiliary commenced a course to become Station Officers.
A second doorknock appeal was held toward the end of the year and thanks once again to the generosity of local residents $1300 was raised. This money was used to purchase additional fire fighting equipment.
Toward the end of the year the Nepean Rescue Squad was being formed and several members of the Brigade were instrumental in its formation.

1976

This year was quiet as far as bushfires were concerned. The total number of fires for the year was 10.
Early in the year the Brigade assisted the Police Rescue Squad at the fatal train smash at Glenbrook. A goods train carrying a load of petrol ploughed into the rear of an interurban train killing one man.. The Brigade was asked to standby in case of fire.
The most unusual fire call for the year was to four fires burning along the railway line between Blaxland and Warrimoo. The fires had been started by a goods train.
The largest fire for the year started on 3rd December in the vicinity of the Hawkesbury Lookout in Hawkesbury Road. The fire spread into the Grose Valley and on 6th December a State of Emergency for the Blue Mountains was declared. On 18th December five Brigade members were flown by helicopter into the Springwood Creek Grose Valley area to assist with the preparation of a helipad. They were followed by more members who stayed out overnight working on the fireline. By morning all but about 400 metres had been contained. Other groups involved in the exercise included the Public Service Bushfire Fighting Support Group, National Parks, Baulkham Hills Bushfire Brigades and other Blue Mountains Bushfire Brigades. The Brigade was finally stood down on 9th December after much trail cutting, back burning and mopping up.
This was the first time helicopters had been used for combating bushfires.
This year also saw the final alteration to the Fire Station. The toilet was moved to the western end of the station. That's what progress is all about.

1977

After several quiet years, 1977 is remembered along with 1968 as a disastrous year for bushfires in the Blue Mountains. A total of 28 fires were attended. The "Big One" started on Friday 16th December in the vicinity of Lawson and hit Blaxland on Sunday 18th December.
Earlier in the year fires damaged a garage in Husselbee Street and a house in Powell Street.
The Brigade provided assistance to the Penrith Brigade at a large grass fire near Leonay Golf Course in August.
The busy part of the year started in October and between then and December, 17 of the 28 fires occurred.
In November a severe fire burnt through Sun Valley.
Apart from the Brigade attending to all the fires, it also busied itself with other activities.
Long Service Awards were issued to the following members for ten years' service: Brian Bell, Bernie Fisher, Col Burne, Warren Day, Phil Kaufmann, Norm Miller, Ralph Mitchell, John O'Donnell, Darryl Stein, Gordon Strathdee, Graham Ware, Raymond Tier. Mrs. Jewel Willis and Mrs. Pat Woellner from the Ladies' Auxiliary were also presented with ten year Long Service Awards. Long Service Awards for fifteen years service were issued to Neville fathers, Ken Handley and John Newton by the N.S.W. Bushfire Council.
During the year the idea of a further extension to the Fire Station was proposed. The Brigade found it had outgrown the existing Fire Station.
Brigade members and members of the Ladies Auxiliary participated in a radio special on Bushfire Brigades. The special was made and broadcast by radio station 2SM.

1978

This proved to be one of the quietest on record. Only four fires were attended. This was because there was very little fuel left to be burnt following the previous year's fire.
The Brigade turned its attention to extensions to the Fire Station. The site of the existing Station proved to be unsuitable for a further extension as the land which is owned by the P.T.C. was required for future commuter car parking. The Brigade was offered two alternative sites, one behind the Blaxland Public School and the other in Attunga Avenue. After considerable deliberation the Brigade decided that the site in Attunga Road was most suitable.
A doorknock appeal was held again this year, and once again the residents were more than generous. An amount in excess of $3000 was collected.
The Land Rover was replaced by a new Toyota personnel carrier in August.

1979

Up to the middle of the year only five fire calls were received. The largest outbreak was in Mittagong-Golbourn area. Blaxland despatched a crew on 15th February and the crew was involved in back burning and mopping up operations around the Wingecarribee Creek. The crew returned to Blaxland on 18th February.
This year marked the Brigade's 21st birthday the actual date being 28th November.
At the beginning of the year tenders were called and in April a contract was awarded for the construction of the new Fire Station.
The new Station comprises
four vehicle bays
a control area
meeting room
kitchen
ladies and men's toilets and showers.
It is certainly an improvement on the previous Fire Station which comprised three vehicle bays. Each time a meeting was held the Bulk Water Carrier had to be moved so that there was sufficient room to sit down.
The new Station was expected to be completed by late August or early September and was officially opened on 1st December. The money collected by the Brigade from doorknocks, sale of Christmas Trees, aluminium can collections etc. was used to pay for the fitting out of the interior of the Station.
Blue Mountains City council paid for the construction of the building but the Brigade was responsible for the fitting out costs.
John Newton, the only foundation member still active with the Brigade, was honoured with Life Membership at the opening Ceremony.

Stories and Reminiscences from those Involved

The Bushfire in Blaxland 24/11/1957
N. A. Edwards

On Friday afternoon of 22nd November a strong northwest wind brought the fires from the direction of Springwood to within sight of Blaxland.
From the back yard of Mr. F. Brown I watched several fires spring up among the houses of Warrimoo in the Boulevarde area. The way in which these fires began was similar to the beginning of some outbreaks in Blaxland on the Sunday following. The fire was coming up a steep slope with the wind when burning material was evidently thrown high on the updraught to land and cause advance fires a good quarter of a mile from the main front. This process usually occurs at the edges of steep drops and on the near-by small plateau.
Late in the afternoon the wind dropped and the fire did not come much beyond Warrimoo. It may be significant that the 1951 fires stopped in very much the same place and for the same reason. This daily respite, though not invariably occurring, might well be considered in plans for combating future fires in the mountains.
On Friday night my son and I watched the fire burn slowly down the slope from West Warrimoo towards Blaxland but it had difficulty in reaching the bottom of the valley by 6am on Saturday. On that day when the wind blew from the southeast and the day was much cooler, the fire made even slower progress. We saw one offshoot coming up behind Blaxland that could just make headway. A determined attack at this stage by a force of 50 men could have had a good chance of dealing with the straight line of fire that entered in a south wet direction from North Blaxland across the gully and ridge to the gully that lies below Martin's lookout. On Sunday morning at 6am, the wind having held to the southeast and the night being damp, the fire had made but a few hundred yards progress to a point close to the latest clearing for power lines. Again the fire was so subdued as to make it possible to stand within a few feet of it.
At about 10:30 on Sunday morning, as I watched the fire from behind Mr. F. Brown's property, the wind changed with remarkable suddenness from a south-easterly to a strong north-westerly and with a like suddenness the fire burst into life. By the time I had covered the few hundred yards to my house, vast clouds of smoke were rising over the small plateau that lies behind Blaxland School, and very soon (I should say about 11:00am) the first advance fire, such as I had observed at Warrimoo on Friday, had begun in the clearing under the power lines behind the Hembury's house. As this area was clothed only in grass and low shrubs, the fire was not of a particularly fierce nature and was allowed to burn up to the backs of fences without much danger. The area burnt out by this advance fire provided the least trouble of any spot I saw because in other places the main fire was able to come with one continuous burn and in most cases, on the most violent bursts of wind.
When the main fire struck behind my house, all who had stood to meet it were immediately driven back by the long flames running ahead of the burn. A big bush-house covered in Ti-tree provided us with a screen against the heat and though this structure took fire in several places, prompt action put out the flames. From then on our attention was directed to dealing with flying pieces of burning material but fire hoses had borne the brunt of the fight and must be given credit of saving a great deal of property.
South east of my place the fire next struck in a clump of turpentines on the eastern side of the railway, a jump of several hundred yards, and again following the pattern of the Warrimoo advance fires that I have already described.

The Bushfire in Blaxland 24/11/1957
G.H. Munro

On Friday 22nd November the fire came through Warrimoo and crossed the road and railway above the park.
However, the wind dropped and the fire slowed down and on the north side of the line it died out at the old burn.
On Saturday 23rd the wind was light and from the south and the fire worked back slowly to the west of Warrimoo. It was thus spread out on a wide front to the north of Blaxland parallel to Bridge Road.
The night was quiet and cool and firefighters rested. On Sunday morning the temperature rose steadily and about 10am a strong northwest wind arrived suddenly.
(I leave it to others to describe what happened at the east and west ends of Bridge road and detail what I observed from Glen street in the middle of Bridge Road.)
With the strong, hot, gusty wind the fire swept rapidly across from the Warrimoo ridges. It appeared to reach the east end of Bridge Road first and then arrive progressively at the centre and west end. A strong protective force of fire tenders and fire-fighters of all types waited at Bridge Road. Opposite Glen Street the fire reached the cliff and shot up with a sheet of flame some 50 feet high and a high column of smoke. Firemen protected the houses there and for a time not much debris fell to the south of Bridge Road.
Suddenly, however, an extra strong updraught from west of Glen Street dropped burning material in a line along Boynton Street from Seider's to Keen's. All there were extinguished except one below Seider's. It was kept clear of Seider's house by a P.A. hose and knapsacks and later by a tanker but it escaped down a gully. A strip along Boynton Street had been burnt off in September. No fires started in this and it held the fire back and largely directed it into the gully. Firemen with a tanker burnt a break behind Seider's house . This was fortunate for scarcely had they done so when a terrific column of flame drove down from Plateau Parade and headed across Ross Crescent.. What happened after that was obscured by smoke and must be told by others. It is of interest to recall that, in the 1951 fire, during a similar threat the local Volunteer Fire Brigade and residents burnt breaks along the north side of Bridge road, in the loop of Plateau Parade, along the south side of Bridge Road and Boynton Street and along the west side of Ross Crescent.
This was obviously sound policy based on accumulated experience of past fires and at that time successfully kept the fires out of Blaxland though admittedly the conditions were not as bad as this year.
The lesson as I see it is as follows:
The bush in the Blue Mountains is conditioned to fires and does not really suffer from periodical burning off. Once fires get into unpopulated areas it is impossible to control or extinguish them and they become the playthings of the wind. A hot westerly must then cause extensive flare-ups. This will inevitably happen every few years. The only satisfactory solution therefore is controlled burning off of all areas close to settlements. This could be spread over a number of years in a systematic way to minimise the risk of a break burn getting out of control.
This would also provide valuable and continuous training in firefighting for local residents.
In such a project it is essential that local knowledge, experience and interest be utilised to a maximum. Another important item is the necessity for access tracks to enable burning of breaks and patrol and control of fires.

History of Blaxland Brigade's Vehicles.

The first vehicle was a 4 x 4 R.A.A.F. Blitz with a Ford engine which was purchased on 22nd September 1959 for Ł800. It had a water tank with a capacity of 350 gallons. The Brigade used this vehicle until 3rd August 1968 when it was transferred to Valley Heights Brigade.
The Brigade took delivery of its second vehicle, its present Bedford tanker on 1st August 1968.
This tanker was the first 4 x 4 Bedford on the Blue Mountains. It has an 850 gallon water tank and a centrifugal pump powered by a Holden 186 petrol engine. To eliminate the radiator and fan a heat exchanger was installed which uses the water in the main tank to cool the vehicle coolant system. (If you run the tank low you start fighting the fire with HOT water).
As the Brigade and its membership grew, the need arose for a second vehicle for transporting personnel for crew changes at fires. Blaxland's first personnel carrier was a Willys Jeep which came into service with the Brigade on 9th February 1967. At the same time the Brigade also acquired a 175-gallon tanker trailer with small mounted petrol-driven pump.
After the 1978 fires the Brigade membership once again increased and the need for a larger personnel carrier became apparent. The need was overcome with an ex-army short wheel-base Land Rover which started with the Brigade on 1st August 1969.
The short wheel-base Land Rover was then replaced by a long wheel-base version in September 1970.
During the period 1972 - 1974 the Brigade constructed a second tanker on a six-wheel drive Studebaker chassis (1942 model) for bulk water carrying. The tanker was constructed for the Blue Mountains Group of Bushfire Brigades and was handed over to the Group at the 1974 Field Day. The water tank capacity was 1100 gallons.
The long wheel-base Land Rover was replaced with a new Toyota Land Cruiser on 24th August 1978.

Narrow Neck - 1967
Graham Ware

Fire no 131 - 19th December 1967
We really haven't been to Narrow Neck for years. Strange, isn't it, how areas go "out of fashion", and grateful I am that this was so.
What was this Narrow Neck fire in 1967?
Why has this fire gained so much notoriety?
Perhaps it was because we nearly lost tanker and crew on that initial confrontation. Maybe it was because the containing and extinguishing involved 10 days of precious Christmas holidays, attacking the fire from all directions on the valley floor, or maybe because the poor Blitz just couldn't stand up to the pressure, spending half the fire being repaired in Council workshops.
Thankfully, the "old girl" didn't miss a beat on that first attack on the 19th.
1730 hours saw a crew of ten roll out with the usual high spirits (false bravado?), our trail clearly marked by a stream of water gushing from a full tanker. (We only carried 350 gallons in the Blitz and if we were to reach the fire before it was extinguished, we had to run "light", hence the emptying of the tank).
We developed quite an act with passing motorists who were frantically signalling that we were losing water. Eventually we would "understand", thank them profusely and make a gallant, but vain, attempt to replace the cap, only to burst our sides with hilarity and await the next victim.
Two aspects of our trip to Katoomba are worth mentioning because, as events turned out, both were rather vital to gastronomical satisfaction.
As we approached Linden, the roadside shop boasted of giant-sized hamburgers.
"Righto, driver" shouted Noel Gilbey, "pull over for a hamburger. It might be all we get tonight."
How true! But now to wash it down.
We were passed (slowly - the old girl wasn't that bad) on Boddington Hill by a soft drink truck.
"Hey, how about a bottle or two?" one aspiring crew member shouted.
"Help yourself," said the driver, and in the true tradition of the Brigade, we did.
At the entrance of Narrow Neck trail we refilled and proceeded down the trail toward the smoke, Capt Carruthers at the wheel.
Have you ever been across the narrows in a truck? It would be terrifying enough in a car, but a truck...! Can you imagine eight fellows ready to vault over the side at a moment's notice? Frankly the only aspect preventing this hasty evacuation was that the ground on either side was hundreds of feet down. Then Alan missed a gear. Eight fellows had no hope of going over the tailboard together, or had they?
Down the trail we were met by West Leader who gave us the job of chasing the fire along the eastern ridge towards the swamp. This fire had been burning all day and now Blaxland was going to put it out.
The fire, once in the swamp grass, belched clouds of thick, acrid smoke and Darryl Stein, on the end of the hose, in an effort to head off the fire, became enveloped and inhaled and swallowed volumes of smoke. He had a mate in John Gilbey. Two down. Eight left.
We reckoned we could beat that fire but West Leader ordered us out, especially as the wind was swinging south of west and freshening. We topped up and drove the trail just away from the tower and waited. The wind swung from the south. There was a roar. The trees, broadside of us, a hundred yards away, burst into flame. Fierce orange-red sheets that reached upward and outward raced amongst the trees belching black smoke upwards and hundreds of burning leaves and twigs forwards, straight at us.
John O'Donnell revved up the engine. Alan manned one reel at the front of the tanker, the other reel was going at the rear, and I found myself in the middle with the tanker protection hose.
"Hell," I thought, "what a way to go!"
Down on our knees we went to get under the smoke and we poured 300 gallons at the inferno in what seemed hours but was probably no more than 3 - 4 minutes. I was supposed to keep spraying John O'Donnell at the wheel and the numerous drums of 2-stroke petrol and kerosene that were on board and the pump, but I really have no recollection of ever doing so. It would probably have made no difference because the water was disappearing about two yards from the nozzle.
Suddenly - silence! We stood up and looked around. We were in a new world. Quiet, an eerie quiet, despite a roaring engine and rattling pump, hung over the blackness.
Everything was black except the small rectangle around the tanker. What had been thick bush was now blackened sticks permitting an unrestricted view east. The sun nonchalantly dropped behind a western ridge.
The radio crackled and we jerked back into life. 'KL' was in a panic. Blaxland and Mt Victoria hadn't responded to any call. What had happened?
Alan, in the strangest voice I've heard, said "Blaxland tanker. We're OK" and Darryl Stein regurgitated more smoke.
The tank was almost empty!
A far-off roar was heard. Shipley Tanker was returning with water. Once more we's filled up.
Those two fellows were real heroes during that fire. In a conventional drive truck they tore downhill, across narrows at breakneck speed, hoping to make the top, trip after trip, just to keep the tankers filled up.
"We'll send you fellows some food," crackled 'KL'. Bernie Dowling will never be allowed to forget that meal he sent us. Cold, greasy fish and chips and cold pies. And we couldn't find any wood to light a fire so we could warm up the fish and pies.
Thank heaven for hamburgers.

Report on the Narrow Neck Fire
John O'Donnell.

It's nearly 12 years since the Narrow Neck fire - the practice run to prepare ourselves for the local one in Blaxland the same year. The fire won't be forgotten lightly as it was the fire that welded members together. Each and every one performed tasks that night as the fire came out of the Jamieson Valley and headed for Megalong. Our job was to stifle the fire on the eastern side of the access track and prevent it going over to Narrow Neck. When I say welded members, well we were so close to our maker that only magnificent team work prevented total catastrophe. One member caught alight and had to be rolled on the ground to extinguish his clothing. A haversack mounted Burner Break, running on some good fuel, was a dangerous piece of equipment - drip torches are so much safer.
The wind came up and took the fire out of control - everyone was prostrate on the deck - Alan Carruthers covering the eastern flank 20 feet from the old Blitz tanker, kept the motor running in case of an order to evacuate. The situation developed into a crown fire above us, lots of bods under the old girl, no oxygen available, tremendous courage by all to survive - like the old adage "when Blaxland is here, never fear". The furore of that fire was unimaginable. Remember that if you have a fire again on Narrow Neck take the crews out in the night. We found this the best way to go as the daylight trip out in the morning shows how close we were to the precipitous drop to east and west, where one false move of the steering and the crew and tender are history.

The Ladies' Auxiliary

The Blaxland Volunteer Bushfire Brigade Ladies Auxiliary was formed at the Blaxland Progress Hall on 28th November 1958, the men's meeting taking place at one end of the hall , while the women at the other end. Nine women (one of whom is still actively involved) decided to band together and support the men in whatever way possible, initially by raising money to purchase much needed equipment.
The early years were made up of one fund-raising function after another with cake stalls and housie nights every six weeks, fancy fair stalls every 4 months and a large fete almost every year. A lot of hard work and organisation went into the fetes but even the year when it was "washed out" at Blaxland Park everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Blaxland had a small community then and the whole town used to turn out in support.
In 1961 the Auxiliary was called upon to provide tea for 50 people at the official opening of the (then) new Fire Station, and later that year the ladies undertook a First Aid Course. The Auxiliary continued to raise money with Bonfire Nights, a Handicrafts Exhibition, Melbourne Cup Day, a Western Night and Street Stalls. At Auxiliary meetings (held monthly), the ladies brought gifts to raffle, and sold recipes for 3d each. This proved so popular that a recipe book was written and published in 1967.
The recipes were put to good use during the 1968 fires. The Auxiliary cooked hot meals for the men for days, and when food ran out during the night they found themselves on strangers' doorsteps begging for suitable goods from their pantry. Often they delivered food to the middle of the bush, seemingly deserted, until a shout of "FOOD" brought tens of firemen scurrying through the bushland. The ladies worked tirelessly and stopped only to protect their own homes when fire threatened. ( See also the report by Maureen Goetze.)
The turmoil over, fundraising continued. The fires had shown that further equipment was desperately needed and some existing equipment needed replacing. Unfortunately as the memory of the 1968 fires faded, so did the Auxiliary members.
In late 1972, the Auxiliary almost folded due to lack of support. During the early 1970s there had been a time when no member of the Auxiliary had a husband actively involved in the Brigade and liaison between the two groups was sadly lacking
In January 1975, a Foundation member (Pat Woellner) who realised its real need and usefulness to the Brigade, attended a men's meeting regarding recruiting new members for the Auxiliary. An appeal was made to Brigade members' wives via the Brigade paper the "FLAME". The Auxiliary also sent a roneoed letter to the wives individually, asking whether they would be interested in
(a) becoming a member,
(b) helping with food preparation during fires or
(c) coming to social evenings to help raise funds.
Thankfully the Auxiliary increased in strength and fundraising continued, with raffles, "Beetle" game nights, and numerous party nights. In September 1973 the ladies helped the Mobile Canteen feed the official guests at the Annual Bushfire Brigade Field Day, and in 1974 it was Blaxland's turn to sell hot foods, hot and cold drinks, and sweets, at which a small profit was made.
In February 1975 the men's Brigade asked the Auxiliary to train as Station Officers. The ladies were eager to take on this added responsibility and started a training course on 27th May, 1975. The course included call out methods, map reading and radio procedure. This exercise proved a common bond between the Ladies Auxiliary and the Brigade and made each aware how closely the two groups could work in harmony.
On 4th December, 1977 the ladies went on air on radio station 2SM, following an interview on their role in the Bushfire Brigade movement.
During the December 1977 fires, the ladies manned the Fire Station, working their own roster of 6hour shifts for 6 days and nights. Food preparation also continued; if enough notice was received from Control, hot meals were sent in thermos flasks with each crew, and on short notice, sandwiches were sent. A variety of snacks and drinks were also provided. There was a great deal of satisfaction and achievement when the fire was finally out and the men all safely home.
Throughout the years the ladies have made many longlasting friendships and have enjoyed many social gatherings. Each Christmas between 1959 and 1971 the Auxiliary arranged a Christmas Party for the children, wherein the parents were charged a nominal amount to cover presents (brought by Santa), and supplied lollies, balloons, cakes, etc. In the early years they often catered for the man's annual "Smoko", preparing and serving the food themselves. During the year the ladies usually went to a dinner and show in Sydney or Penrith, and at Christmas they "let their hair down" with a get-together at a member's house (one year it was "Fancy dress", another a "come in bad taste" and often just "Sunday best"). Since 1974 the auxiliary have arranged a combined Family Barbeque which has proved very successful. All these social events have been well attended and a good time was had by all.
The Auxiliary now consists of 18 financial members, including two junior members. Mrs. Pat Woellner (active member since 1958) and Jewel Willis (active member since 1960) are being honoured with Life Membership, at the 21st Birthday celebrations.
Fundraising continues in the form of Melbourne Cup luncheons, raffles and party nights. (The goods received as hostess gifts and/or commission at party nights are often used as prizes in raffles). Over the years $2,135 has been handed direct to the Brigade, $572 has been spent on equipment and $522 spent on food for the men during fires. A large amount of money will be needed to equip the kitchen in the new Fire Station.
To past members (most of whom have either moved from the district or have become actively involved in other family interests) the Auxiliary extends its deepest thanks for your tireless work.
To people of the community who have donated goods or have given their support in any other way over the past 21 years the Ladies Auxiliary sincerely says "Thank you."

The 1968 Bushfire

When did the 1968 fire actually start as "The 1968 Fire"?
For all intents and purposes in this article it will obtain its identity as of 20th November, although brigades had been fighting bushfires for some time. It was during the evening of that day when the Fire Control officer called all stations to prepare for a fire which had spotted from the Grose area to Faulconbridge Point. This fire in the Grose Valley had been burning in very rough and inaccessible country for about six weeks. Brigades went to Faulconbridge on standby, some tankers were committed to the fire. Later smaller Brigade vehicles took over to patrol the fire area and that night a backburn was put in to contain this section. This type of activity was followed for some days, the fire was slow-moving. A report at 2230 hours on 22nd November showed the fire to be moving two chains per hour.
Things started to move faster on 23rd, with the first report of that day telling of the Hawkesbury Road being closed at Yarramundi.
A large fire was being attacked by a number of Brigades in the White Cross and Hawkesbury Road area, and this activity continued throughout that day and into the 24th. Other fires were reported to be burning in the wide area between Faulconbridge and Emu Plains.
To co-ordinate the fighting of so many scattered fires and to leave a communications channel open, a Radio Control Centre was established at the Springwood Civic Centre.
The White Cross fire now spotted towards North Springwood.
On 25th November with stations reporting crews on standby, the fires continued to burn with reports showing no property loss. The situation was similar again on 26th, with fires burning in many areas on the Lower Blue Mountains.
One worrying fire was burning on the eastern escarpment, and to cut down the danger from the fire a break was cut right down the ridge but the fire continued to burn in the gully at the bottom of the ridge. This fire continued to cause alarm and on 27th, a very strong wind fanned the fire which spotted and three fires started which could not be controlled thereby endangering the whole east side of the ridge.
Once more homes were in danger but quick work by fire fighters prevented any loss.
It was then decided by fire authorities, in the face of the weather forecast for the following day, to burn off this area to safeguard the residents. The burnoff was completed before dawn.
The 28th was a day of extreme fire danger and brought all that was feared with winds gusting to 40mph and temperatures over 90 degrees Fahrenheit. A fire jumped the highway at Faulconbridge and spreading with terrifying speed swept the Lower Blue Mou8ntains from Faulconbridge along the highway and railway line to Emu Plains.
Men who had been battling bushfires for weeks lost the fight as the fire devoured home after home. Described as being like a tornado, the fire raged through Springwood, on to Valley heights, Warrimoo as it continued on its path of destruction. Next to feel the full force were Blaxland and Glenbrook and so on until it reached the bottom of the Mountains.
While this was going on residents from the surrounding areas, if they were able to leave their homes, made their way to Glenbrook Oval to shelter from the fury of the fire.
While the people of the Mountains suffered, Sydney also had its taste of the bushfires from the west. A pall of smoke covered the City and many inner suburbs reported burnt leaves falling in back yards.
The tally when the day ended was bleak. Nearly 200,000 acres burnt out, 83 homes destroyed and other buildings such as St. David's Church of England, Blaxland in ruins. A Civil Defence spokesman told newsmen that Blaxland was the worst hit town on the Blue Mountains.
The following day the scene along the Great Western Highway was one of blackened bush, burnt houses, smouldering tree stumps and choking smoke.

The 1968 Bushfires as seen by the Ladies' Auxiliary
Maureen Goetze.

The main job of any Ladies Auxiliary is, of course, to raise funds for the parent body - until a greater need arises.
The greater need arose in November 1968 when our Blaxland VBFB Ladies Auxiliary was ordered to feed "all the men fighting fires between Springwood and Lapstone". Sgt. Ray Tyson was in charge of the Police Rescue Squad which was in overall charge of looking after the needs of the fire fighters, as well as the search and rescue opportunities.
The assistance received from businessmen of Blaxland was marvellous to say the least. The late Jim Hurley handed the keys of his butcher's shop to the Auxiliary and told them to "help themselves". He realised that certain goods would be needed outside of business hours, and it would save a lot of time. The Rev. Ferrington gave the keys of St. Margaret's Presbyterian Church Hall, to be used as a kitchen, dining room, and First Aid centre. Jack Baxter of the "Bakehouse" opened his shop so that the ovens could be used. Alkie Stephens, manager of the G & G store donated cartons of cigarettes, drinks and sunglasses for the use of firefighters. Reg King also donated cigarettes and soft drinks. On one occasion when the Auxiliary had run out of food (about 4:00am on the Wednesday morning) Reg arrived with bundles of fish and chips. What a welcome sight for the hungry and tired firefighters.
A little known fact of life is that the Police Rescue Squad insisted on using paper plates and cups, and these were all paid for by out Auxiliary. The Auxiliary member on duty provided meals when the men brought into St. Margaret's Hall for a rest break. No meals were taken out to the men on Thursday as the fires were to bad. On Friday morning meals were again taken out to the men. Donations of furniture, clothing and food stated coming in and these had to be sorted out and distributed.
Many stories can be told about children who were missing and found at the homes of friends. Penrith Rugby League Club opened its doors to many Mountains residents on Thursday. Beds were installed in the auditorium and elsewhere to accommodate the women and children.
One member of our Auxiliary (Maureen Crampton) moved 5 times to safety. Each time she moved the fire caught up to her. Maureen was pregnant at the time, and she and her six children were moved to various homes in the Mt. Riverview-Blaxland area, and finally to Regentville only to have the fire jump the Nepean River!
Some Auxiliary members were on 24 hour-a-day duty from Wednesday to Saturday, hardly seeing their beds in all that time. On Friday and Saturday the heartbreaking jobs of sifting through burnt out homes kept members busy. Fire fighters on mopping up duties still had to be fed, so meals still had to be prepared.
Lunchtime on Sunday, the Police Rescue mobile Kitchens helped the Auxiliary serve the meal. On Sunday afternoon the last meal was prepared for the men still out in the field, and the recipe was as follows:
Ingredients: leftover cooked steak, (cut into 1 inch cubes), cold meat pies (cut the same). Warmed up vegetables (left over from lunch), a few quarts of gravy (Gravox special) and maybe a dishcloth (one was lost and never found).
Method: heat all together with tender loving care. Serve in Blue Mountains National Park at 8:00pm with bread and butter.
Dessert: Quarter share of a cigarette.

Report on 1968 Fire
Neville Fathers

In my memory, the '68 fires went on for months. We were either smoke-watching or smoke chasing" from about September, never beating the fires burning in inaccessible terrain in the Grose Valley. It was almost a relief when it hit Blaxland on November 28.
Because fire had been active in the Lower Mountains for some time, we had more manpower than usual, and more gear. Unfortunately, much of the manpower was inexperienced.
As firefighters, we use such terms as "crownfire" or "firestorm" fairly glibly, but I will never forget the firestorm that struck Mt. Riverview from the west. While Blaxland tanker was attacking the first onrush on the highway near Westward Ho cafe, spot fires were already breaking out a mile or more away. I was in the open jeep and went up to check out Rusden Road.
The smoke was thick and choking, and the air was full of blazing embers that seemed to ignite every patch of bush or grass they touched. I remember telling a group of New South Wales Fire Brigade men from the city not to go too far into the storm. I really thought no-one could survive in it. Yet men did go in, and our blokes who were involved in trying to save property have every right to be proud of themselves, particularly those who stuck to the job even though their own homes were in danger. As was inevitable under the circumstances, dozens of homes were lost, including those of some firefighters.
I don't think I spent a more depressing time than the days after the blaze, as we licked our wounds, repaired our gear, and attempted to help those who had lost their homes. And for days we had only smoke-laden air to breathe. Yet there were things that I remember as funny. I gave Phil Kaufmann a lift at the height of the fire and couldn't understand his behaviour, till I discovered his seat was on fire from a spark that got in underneath.
It wasn't funny to our Station crew at the time, but I remember their relief when I turned up late at night "from the grave". My radio was broken and they didn't know; you can imagine their feelings when I didn't answer their calls.

The Importance of Radio Communications.
Ken Handley and John Newton.

Prior to 1962 radio communications were minimal to say the least. At that time once the tanker had left the Station, that was the last we knew of it unless a rider on a motor cycle or a private car went to the last reported location of tanker and crew. Although this method was slow it provided details of crew requirements as to food and relief and enabled the Station personnel to anticipate these needs by simply sending food with each courier.
Early in 1962 a plan was put forward by local members of the amateur radio association to install mobile radio sets in their cars relaying back to their homes. The information was then phoned through to Katoomba.
This was the case in 1964 in the National Park, with communications directly from the tanker to Katoomba still not possible. At this fire Barry Campton was injured and the need for medical assistance was urgent. The need for better radio communication was demonstrated that afternoon. The geographical differences between Katoomba and the Lower Blue Mountains made it impossible for Blaxland and Katoomba to maintain radio contact.
What followed was a "Blaxland Relay", a radio located at Blaxland Fire Station operating as the name suggests - a relay.
With radios installed in the tanker another problem arose. The tanker was only wired for a six volt system, and the radios being valve sets tended to flatten the battery if the radio was left on and the tanker engine was not running. The result of this was the members would have to push the tanker to start it. The problem was overcome when Stewart Little installed a six volt generator on the pump motor to feed into the tanker's electrical system. Whenever the pump was working the tanker battery was kept at full charge, and if the pump was not in use and the battery was low it only took the pump a few minutes to charge the battery enough to start the truck motor.
The 1968 fire put a heavy demand on communications in the lower half of the Mountains; Katoomba was the Control headquarters but the fire was twenty miles away and Blaxland relay was put to work.
At the height of the fire in North Springwood, on the Saturday morning Stewart Little and Ken Handley set up an emergency base station along with aerial and with a little help from the PMG and willing technicians from Springwood exchange, a number of telephones. This was set up in the rear of the Civic Centre, which during the day filled up with many people and more radio equipment. All told, five radio sets operated out of the centre, with the Police caravan situated outside the door with a number of radio channels available. That installation was called "Civic Centre" and remained operational for several days around the clock. At its peak there were six or seven operators needed on the Bushfire channel alone, three telephone operators, one on the radio, with a second operator just to jog his memory and keep notes, and two of them were kept busy with chalk and blackboards. That entailed a large team of willing workers to keep it manned both day and night.
Wednesday of that week brought the fire into Mt. Riverview and onto the escarpment. With a real threat to Blaxland, the pressure of communications shifted to Blaxland Relay.
During the same week, Blaxland's radio equipped vehicles were expanded. Blaxland fielded five fire-fighting vehicles and crewed them all. It consisted of our own tanker, the parks tanker, Land Rover and tanker trailer, Bill Howell's truck with a tank fitted to it and a radio on Mountains and District T.V. services channel and Les Mayberry's truck which normally delivered parcels. There were four cars available with radio, which did many delivery jobs with hoses, rakehoes, crews, knapsacks and whatever else was required.
Hand held radios were used in abundance, and even with severe interference they did a great job. These small radios save a lot of legwork in running out hoses, especially in rough country.
To keep control over the radio channel used by Mountains and District T.V. and now by the Fire Station, the technicians from the P.M.G. were extremely helpful. They borrowed a phone line that was not being used and extended the radio line into the Fire Station at Blaxland. The second phone arrived at about the same time and was immediately utilised.
Thursday in the Blaxland Fire Station was as busy as the Fire Tankers themselves. The day began with many tired firefighters at the Station, much planning, a lot of activity and by midday just two stunned men remained. Dr. Harry Harris and Ken Handley. We could never have done without the Doctor during that afternoon and evening, even though he had watched his house and many others burn down that day.
The power failed, taking the radios away from us. Frank Connell came to the rescue with a generator which got Blaxland Relay back on the air. Mountains and District's radio went off the air because the building housing it caught alight. The radio equipment was salvaged before it was damaged and placed in Stewart Little's yard, only to have the mast carrying the aerial fall on top of it as the garage burnt to the ground. The transmitter was taken to the Fire Station along with an aerial and erected and got going again with the help of Bragg and Gregg electricians from Penrith. Blaxland Relay was fully operational again even though the electricity was still off. Bragg and Gregg provided a generator which was put to good use at the Church Hall, and their radio vehicles were in contact with Blaxland Relay.
Blaxland Relay was able to maintain a radio service because of the enormous help of many skilled men who could never be mentioned. The telephone system also failed. Many people were wanting to ring the city to assure relatives and friends that they were still alive and uninjured. This was a very real need considering that what was burning in the Blue Mountains was being deposited as ash all over the southern half of the City and suburbs causing a great deal of concern.
A radio link to Penrith was established. The salvaged transmitter at Blaxland Relay transmitted to Bragg & Gregg's office at Penrith and then by telephone to wherever the caller wanted to send his message. A second radio link to the city was established to avoid trunk calls from Penrith, which became overloaded. This link was established by Blaxland Relay transmitting to a car parked in Dixon Road, then on to a second radio at Malley's at Revesby, where the emergency was given the full use of the Service department's switchboard. Malley's put all other work aside, and even kept their own service trucks off the air. This was an enormous contribution to our needs.
The communication system was hampered by irresponsible people using illegal radios on the emergency frequency jamming the sets. Once the fire had been extinguished, complaints were made to the P.M.G. which resulted in houses in and around Sydney being raided by the Police and approximately forty people being prosecuted.

Report on 1977 Bushfire

Three days of firefighting had finally paid off. The fire which had been burning in the Jamieson Valley was out, mopping up was completed and the crews stood down. It was 0430 on Friday, 16th December 1977.
The weather forecast for the remainder of the day was good, with only a moderate fire danger rating. By 1000 the day had changed, and at 1045 a fire was reported burning near Lawson which in a matter of minutes became a major fire.
The 1977 fires were away. During the period 16th December to 23rd December the fires burnt out an area 45% greater than the 1968 fires, but with a considerable reduction in the toll of human life and property.
Firefighters were unable to control the Lawson fire. Within 30 minutes it covered a wide area and by 1400 the fire had spread further and was burning fiercely within the Lawson - Hazelbrook residential area. Brigades called to the scene were mainly deployed in property protection.
This already bad situation worsened when at about 1330 a fire was reported on Kings Tableland Road, Wentworth Falls. Within a matter of minutes it was burning out of control. This fire posed a threat to property on the southern side of the highway. Some men and firefighting appliances, previously committed to the Lawson area were withdrawn to face the threat on the southern side of Bullaburra-Lawson-Hazelbrook area. This fire crossed the highway between Wentworth Falls and Bullaburra compounding an already serious situation.
At this time a Section 41F, state of emergency, had been invoked and with the extreme danger now being faced the Great Western Highway and the main Western Rail line were closed. This action prevented a number of Bushfire Brigade members from reporting to their stations.
From this time on, with the fire situation worsening, assistance was called for from units outside the Blue Mountains.
At one time requests for assistance, from committed Brigades, were coming almost simultaneously from more than a dozen locations. That night conditions eased but all Brigades were kept busy with property protection and mopping up until the early hours of the next morning.
Saturday, 17th December brought an easing of the weather conditions and with this a lessening of the fire danger. Many fires continued to burn but the main activity was still property protection, coupled with attempts to control the perimeter outbreaks.
The weather forecast for Sunday, 18th December was not promising.
There is a saying "Smile, things could be worse". A few smiled and, as we know now, things got worse. Sunday, 18th December is not a day easily forgotten.
The early morning was not too bad, but by mid morning things started to move. Fires still burned north and south of the highway at Faulconbridge. The northern fire was burning towards North Springwood and the gullies beyond, and the southern fire burned into the Sassafrass Gully Reserve. The southern front soon became the worse of the two as it took off heading in the direction of Burns Road, Springwood. From here the fire raced towards Warrimoo; there was no stopping the inferno which leapt the highway and rail line at Warrimoo and swept toward Blaxland and Mt. Riverview. A second front of the southern fire swept down beside the highway towards Blaxland and Glenbrook, and it was feared this front would join the fire on the northern side and wipe out the area bounded by Glenbrook - Blaxland and Mt. Riverview.
On the northern side the fire was halted as it burned into backyards of homes in side streets west of Rusden Road.
South of the highway the fire swept past Blaxland and Glenbrook to the Nepean River where the main body of the fire was stopped, though a small area across the Nepean was burnt.
This was the end of the worst day.
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday came along with cooler weather and higher humidity. The fires were now under control. In a number of areas Brigades were kept busy cutting and burning fire breaks to contain some potential hot spots. Mopping up continued in other areas. All danger was now passed.
From this fire two points are worth recording
1) The fires, of such magnitude, were brought under control by man power; nature, in the form of rain, did not lend a hand.
2) With the threat to life and property over such a wide area the loss report is a credit
Lives lost - 1
Homes destroyed - 49 (The area Wentworth Falls to Lapstone contains over 2000 houses)

Report on 1977 Bushfires
Neville Fathers

The '77 fire was different from the '68 fire as far as Blaxland was concerned. It struck on Sunday, and as no-one was at work there were plenty of hands available. Our hit-and-run method of putting out potentially damaging fires and ignoring "safe" ones was effective (we had been refining it over two days).
The crews were a mixture of new and old, and I must state my pride in their behaviour, especially those men and boys who were having their first experience of a wildfire. Several times I ordered men into dangerous positions and they responded without hesitation.
A fierce fire makes its own special sound. I had heard it before, but I still remember wondering why someone was flying a plane low overhead, then running to the truck as I realised it was the roar of the fire as it rushed out of the gully.
We lost homes in '77, but I know that we saved plenty, too. The gratitude of the people and their faith in our ability to save them made it worthwhile.
We stood helplessly by and watched one home burn to the ground, but at least we saved the neighbour's.
It seems to me that the experience gained in 1957 helped us in 1968 and even more in 1977.

The Early Days
John Newton.

The first time I remember the tanker going out on a training run was one Sunday morning. Council had sent a bulldozer to Blaxland to cut some fire trails in the area. One was to follow what is now Old Bathurst Road. The other was to follow north along the ridge, the area now known as Mt. Riverview, to Fitzgerald Creek.
The trip down Old Bathurst Road to Emu Plains was uneventful, but because the road was made up of loose stones, the tanker had to return via Mitchell's Pass. As the morning was still young it was decided to try the second trail out of Fitzgerald Creek. Once again the trip out was uneventful, but on the way home the tanker became bogged while trying to climb a waterlogged incline. The back wheels sank all the way down to the axles, and someone had to crawl under the back and dig out the diff housing.
After pumping out the water and some more digging around the back wheels, the tanker finally reached firm ground. Although the tanker had four wheel drive it proved that it could still get bogged. The Brigade acquired two long lengths of heavy rope so that next time it got bogged the Brigade was prepared.
The tanker did get bogged in a creek on the way to a fire in Long Angle Gully. The ropes were run out and fastened to a couple of trees then taken back and looped around the front wheel hubs. These acted like capstans and with one member holding the loose end the tanker was able to pull itself up onto firm ground in a matter of minutes, even with a full tank of water.

The Early Days
Bill Carpenter.

Bill Carpenter remembers the night in the early days, when he decided to burn off some blackberry bushes on the land alongside his workshop in Cherrywood Avenue. Bill's house was the only cottage in Cherrywood Avenue which at the time was only a two wheel track down the hill.
Barry Campton and Milton Loder were both there to give him a hand. Milton had two forty-four gallon drums of water in his Land rover "just in case". The drums were necessary because the water main stopped at Rusden Road.
Just as they got the fire under way, another member of the Brigade was driving home across Emu Plains when he saw the fire on the side of the mountains. He promptly raced up to the Fire Station and turned out the Brigade.
With the fire moving along nicely and everything under control, you can imagine how surprised Bill was to see the tanker coming up Rusden Road and swing into his drive. With the pump running a hose was quickly run out and there were shouts of "We'll save it, Bill."
The fire was quickly extinguished. Bill did not have the heart to tell them that the fire was under control and posed no danger.
The unburnt blackberry bushes and the workshop remained until the 1968 fire, which roared down Cherrywood Avenue, taking not only the blackberry bushes and workshop, but also other things in Bill's yard with it.

A Brief History of Blaxland Volunteer Bushfire Brigade

Patron of Blaxland Volunteer Bushfire Brigade.

BUSHFIRES IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS

1958 - 1959 Reformation of the Brigade.

The Bushfire in Blaxland 24/11/1957 N. A. Edwards

The Bushfire in Blaxland 24/11/1957 G.H. Munro

Narrow Neck - 1967 Graham Ware

Report on the Narrow Neck Fire John O'Donnell.

The 1968 Bushfires as seen by the Ladies' Auxiliary Maureen Goetze.

Report on 1968 Fire Neville Fathers

The Importance of Radio Communications. Ken Handley and John Newton.

Report on 1977 Bushfires Neville Fathers

The Early Days John Newton.

The Early Days Bill Carpenter.