Historical Plenty Buildings

The Plenty Fire Brigade

Although the Black Friday fires of 1939 did not affect the township of Plenty directly, they did wreak widespread devastation throughout the nearby township of Strathewen as they burnt from Kinglake across to Healesville. Following these fires, several of the Plenty residents came together to discuss the formation of an organised fire brigade to aid in battling the many fires that broke out across the Diamond Valley district each year. From these discussions, funds were raised to purchase knapsacks and beaters which many of the local men used valiantly to extinguish a myriad of fires. Further fundraising efforts saw the community acquire a ‘Furphy’ water pump which was kept in an old shed behind the local store to aid firefighting efforts across the district.

With the formation of the Country Fire Authority (CFA) in 1945 and the Diamond Creek Fire Brigade shortly thereafter, the fire fighters of Plenty, together with the neighbouring townships of Yarrambat and Wattle Glen became members of branches of the Diamond Creek Fire Brigade. Each branch had its own Lieutenant who served under the captain in Diamond Creek. Residents including George Upton, Jack Upton, Cecil Monson, Frank Blackwell, Johnny Walker, Jack Ross, Jim Fellows and Arn Twilley were synonymous with the preparedness for, and co-ordination of, early firefighting efforts.

In the early 1950s, the brigade purchased an ex-army Chevrolet Blitz which it modified for use as a fire truck. This purchase was put to great use on numerous occasions including on 28th February 1957 when a bushfire was started near the corner of Yan Yean Road and Browns Lane from a tree branch falling on the powerlines. Burning on a northerly wind, this fire spread through the Plenty area and into properties in neighbouring Diamond Creek and Greensborough. Tragically, this fire claimed one life as well as numerous houses, vehicles and livestock. Following this fire, the community rallied together assisting each other to recover and rebuild.

The 5th of September 1961 saw the Plenty branch of the Diamond Creek Fire Brigade break away to form the Plenty Rural Fire Brigade. As a brigade, Bill Upton was elected as the first captain serving from its inception through until 1976. With approximately 14 fire calls per year at the time, the first significant local bushfire for the brigade occurred on Christmas day 1963 when a fire fanned by strong winds, spread from across the other side of the Plenty River. Despite having minimal personal protection, no firefighters were killed, and many local homes and livelihoods were able to be saved. Another significant fire for the brigade occurred in 1965 when hot coals placed outside a property in River Avenue started a fire that quickly spread. Pushed by strong northerly winds, this fire was eventually halted at the railway line in Greensborough. The 1960s also saw the Brigade receive a new Austin fire truck and work commence on a brand new two bay, brick fire station at the corner of Yan Yean Road and Memorial Drive in Plenty.

CFA Chief Officer Arthur Pifield opened the new Plenty Fire Station on 21st  June 1970 in a ceremony attended by most of the Plenty township. This decade saw the expansion of The Plenty township with several new families moving into the area and the establishment of the Apollo Parkways estate. A change in leadership also took place with the inaugural captain, Bill Upton handing over the reins to Max Mclean in 1976. Tragically Bill passed away suddenly in October the following year at the age of 63. New Year’s Day 1978 saw a fire break out along Plenty Road when a power pole, weakened the previous day in a motor vehicle accident, fell over onto a wire fence sparking three separate fires. Crews were quickly able to bring two of the fires under control however the third fire jumped the Plenty River and raced towards the homes in the Plenty township. Fortunately, a change in weather conditions allowed fire crews and residents to bring this fire under control without the loss of any lives or homes. This event emphasised the need for a second fire truck to protect the Plenty township. Funds were raised and the ex-mining exploration truck was purchased and converted for firefighting duties the following year.

With the new brigade owned tanker operational in 1980, the Authority also saw fit to replace the Austin tanker with a new ACCO 3000 litre 2WD Tanker. These new appliances were quickly used by the brigade when a fire was deliberately lit up at Nioka Scout Camp. This fire rapidly developed as it raced along the gorge toward the Plenty township. Three homes were lost along Charlesville Rd before the fire could be halted in the paddocks along River Ave. The Ash Wednesday bushfires of 1983 saw the brigade heavily involved in firefighting activities around the Mount Macedon area. Following these devastating fires, much of the CFA fleet were replaced following the findings of a Royal Commission. The Brigade received a brand-new Hino 4WD Tanker, which was used, along with the members of the brigade, in a nationwide advertising campaign for Hino Trucks.

During these years, the Brigade also developed an interest in Road Accident Rescue. The Greensborough Rotary Club donated various pieces of equipment to perform this life saving role in memory of George Upton, a founding member of both their club and the Plenty Fire Brigade. Initially this equipment was stored on the brigade owned tanker however the need soon grew for a devoted appliance to perform this vital role. A Mazda light truck was purchased and fitted out as a dedicated Road Accident Rescue appliance. This also drove an extension to the fire station with the addition of another bay to the northern end of the station.

On 1st December 1992, the Plenty Urban Fire Brigade was formed replacing the Plenty Rural Fire Brigade. This change reflected the ever-increasing urban risk the brigade faced as the development of Plenty and the surrounding areas increased. Whilst the membership and appliances remained the same, training and equipment became more focused on the ever-increasing structural fire risk. In 1995, this realisation hit home with a major structure fire at a cottage at the Sutherland Homes for children. Despite the heroic actions of the brigade members Jason Caine and Peter Scully who entered the burning structure to rescue two trapped occupants, tragically one occupant could not be revived.

In 1997, Captain Max McLean stood down after 21years as the captain of the brigade. The captaincy was handed over to the then first Lieutenant Jason Caine who, after two years, handed the reins onto Gavin wright. The brigade’s efforts to establish themselves as a Road Rescue Unit were rewarded with CFA issuing the brigade a new dedicated Rescue Appliance. Yet another extension to the fire station took place with two more engine bays at the northern end to make way for the new appliances to come. In recognition of the brigade’s increasing number of non-bushfire related call outs, CFA issued the brigade with a pumper tanker and a new tanker to better service the local community and support neighbouring brigades. Captain Gavin wright resigned from the role in 2007 to pursue further career opportunities. Adrian Marshman was elected his successor.

The brigade was heavily involved in the 2009 Black Saturday fires with numerous members contributing countless hours particularly in the Kinglake-Murrindindi complex of fires. Many of these members were later issued the National Emergency Medal for their efforts on the day and in the weeks following. In 2011, the Plenty Fire Brigade celebrated 50years of service to the community. Members past and present attended numerous events across thy weekend including a formal dinner and displays of brigade memorabilia with several fire trucks of the type that once called the Plenty Fore Station home.

Aside from firefighting, over the years Plenty Fire Brigade members have also competed in various inter-brigade competitions across the state. Attendance at these events frequently resulted in the brigade winning several trophies and many fond memories for all involved. For several years the brigade hosted an annual Billy Cart Derby on Memorial Drive much to the delight of the local children and their families. Engagement with local children has also been through the Plenty Junior Fire Brigade. Several of these junior members have gone on to transition into the senior ranks building on their skills and knowledge.

In 2021 Adrian Marshman stepped down as brigade captain and David Rumble was elected captain of the Plenty Fire Brigade.

On 23rd of March 2023 a $3.01 million state-of -the -art fire station was opened at 10 Memorial Drive Plenty replacing the former station which was built in 1970 and no longer met the needs of the brigade.