The 1953/54 Fire Season


from the Canberra Times Thursday 5 November 1953

A.C.T. Now Has Eight Bush Fire Brigades
"There are now eight bushfire brigades recognised by, and co-operating with the A.C.T. Bush Fire Council. They cover practically all the rural areas adjacent to Canberra. This is stated in the annual report of the A.C.T. Hush Fire , Council which was released yesterday. The report states that following representations by the council, bush fire brigades were formed in the Fairlight, the Rivers, Woden and Kambah fire districts.

The new brigades already have a good supply of equipment and it is expected that they will become a strong additional force of organised firefighters on the north-western and southern outskirts of the city area.

The report stated that the Mulligan's Flat bush fire brigade sponsored a movement with a view to the formation of an association of recognised bush fire brigades in the A.C.T. The suggestion was not received with favour by the brigades, the consensus of opinion being that the present arrangement of bush fire prevention and control by the council, satisfactorily met requirements.

Volunteer fire-fighting units which would co-operate with the council had been formed by the Yarralumla, Turner, O'Connor, Narrabundah-Griffith, and Narrabundah Progress Associations.

Two other progress associations had also been approached to form units at Fyshwick and Oak's Estate.

In addition, units had also been formed by ths C.S.I.R.O. at Black Mountain, Dickson Experimental Farm, and Werriwa Regiment and the Canberra Grammar School.

The plan for the organisation of these units included a short Course of theoretical and practical training in bushfire fighting.

The report said that under an A.C.T. ordinance, the council had appointed M. Beresford, of Hall, J. Webb, of Fairlight, J. Shepherd, of Weetangera, and W. Butt, of Woden, as inspectors."


Some Fires over 5 acres:

From the A.C.T. Bush Fire Council Fire Reports 1953-54