Brigade to lead fire ready workshop

A WORKSHOP is set to take place co-hosted by CFA South West and the Dereel Fire Brigade to help give people a refresher on what to do if a fire hits.

Set for Saturday, 14 January at the Dereel Community Hall, the workshop will include an update on fire safety essentials and what makes a good fire safety plan.

Darryn Hill, the Dereel brigade’s 1st Lieutenant and community engagement officer said although the area is generally well-prepared, a reminder always helps.

“They’re very well-advised and are really good on making sure on abiding by what they’re allowed and not allowed to do in preparing themselves,” he said.

“Like any community though, people can get a bit blasé which is when they can get caught out.

“We have our community engagement and letterbox drops but this is absolutely a great way of delivering that message as well.”

Lieutenant Hill said the brigade generally answers more fire calls during the summer months.

Following the Black Saturday bushfires, Dereel was listed as one of more than 50 fire-prone hotspots by the following Royal Commission, which resulted in the construction of a neighbourhood safer place at the township.

Lieutenant Hill said it’s important people remain vigilant and ready with the warmer weather underway and Dereel’s dense bushland environment.

“Normally, we get about 40 to 50 calls a year and we’re up around the 650-population mark which is quite high compared to Rokewood for example,” he said.

“This is definitely a busier period so that’s where we’d like to see the community on board as soon as possible.

“It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

With 19 volunteers from a previous contingent of around 40, members of the Dereel Fire Brigade are also calling out for new recruits, who can express interest via the CFA website.