What we do
Kentlyn Rural Fire Brigade played a significant role in the community through their commitment to assisting and protecting the community of Kentlyn and surrounding suburbs. Their involvement is inclusive of but not limited to:
- Defensive structural firefighting
- Bushfire fighting
- Search and Rescue
- Assisting the community in times of flooding
- Assisting the State Emergency Services
- Community awareness
- Community engagement
There is a variety of training that members have undergone such as firefighting, assisting in the event of motor vehicle accidents, assisting in the event of air craft accidents, safe working on roofs, on/off road driving for rural fires and more. Having acquired this training allows for all members from basic firefighters to the group leader to contribute to the safety of the community.
Some Significant Fires
- The earliest record of a fire in the general locality came as early as 1829 - just eight years after Governor Lachlan Macquarie had named and founded the Campbelltown township in December 1820.
- 1929 - A fire was started by sparks from a steam railway locomotive passing through Leumeah. Many homes were lost and some 200 people gathered to fight the fire as best as they could. They were never able to extinguish the fire however it eventually burnt itself out.
- 1956 - 1957 - a hot dry summer saw one of the most critical periods in the Kentlyn Brigade. by Dec 30 1956, almost every home in Kentlyn was under thread as strong winds fanned the fire (which had started as Woolwash) along the Georges River.
- 1980 - A fire eerupted in the Peter Meadows creek area. It threatened some houses in Waratah Rd, namely one owned by Mr. Ray Patterson. With 150 fighters working to contain the blaze, the house was thankfully saved, but not without 250 acres of bushland being burnt and 20 firefighters needing medical attention for smoke affected eyes and minor burns.
- 1994 - KRFB was involved in fighting a massive outbreak at Como near the Royal National Park. 60 homes were lost on January 8.
- 2018 - A large fire broke out on Old Coach road and took 4 days to control. In total, 70 hectares of bushland was destroyed but luckily no homes were lost.
- 2018 - A house destroyed in large fire on Peter Meadows road. All residents escaped unharmed.
Some certificates and accolades that Kentlyn Rural Fire Brigade has received
"Volunteer fire fighters rightfully hold a special place in the heart of every Australian. They regularly - and deservedly - receive and earn the highest of accolades from people living in countless communities throughout the length and breadth of our wide, brown - and so often tinder dry - continent of Australia.
The Kentlyn fire fighters - members of the Kentlyn Rural Fire brigade - are just one of many such brigades throughout our country. Their story is typical of those who, willingly and generously, face danger and hardship to save life and property so precious to them and their communities." - Jim Merry |