CFA ventilation fans funded

GOLDEN Square Fire Brigade has become the first CFA group in the region to get new ventilation fans that are set to help in combatting structure fires.

First Lieutenant at Golden Square Fire Brigade, Jamie Waugh, said the two electric positive pressure ventilation fans replace outdated petrol-fuelled ones.

“The fans move all the smoke and carcinogen out of a room, they clear up the room and mean residents, or people in hospital or aged care facility can move back into their room after an incident or fire,” he said.

The new fans are about 30 kilograms lighter than the old petrol ones, allowing firefighters to carry them on their shoulders. They and can clear smoke and soot from a room in 10 to 15 minutes.

The equipment costs came in at just under $16,000 and were funded by the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities program.

Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters said the Golden Square Fire Brigade is one of 13 Central Victorian organisations to share in $150,000 from the grant program, with local CFAs able to apply for 100 per cent of required funding.

“To me this is essential equipment and the fact we could help partner to make this grant happen, it’s not only heart-warming, it’s also a relief to know they have the equipment to help protect us,” she said.

“Every CFA is invited to put forward a grant, we’ve supported Maiden Gully in the past around energy efficiency and IT equipment… we also supported Eaglehawk CFA with a similar project.”