Fight against fire goes on

By Tania Martin
A WELL-deserved break was not on the cards for Macclesfield firefighters when they recently returned home from fighting fires in Gippsland and Yarra Junction.
Instead they got straight back to work door knocking in their local community to raise money for new equipment.
Captain Sharon Merritt said brigade members recently spent more than 1400 hours at both the Gippsland and Yarra Junction fires while managing to maintain its service to the community.
But Capt Merritt said there was no time for rest after returning home because firefighters jumped straight back into action to raise money for much needed equipment.
She said they raised $6000 through a door knock, which will go towards the purchasing a new four wheel drive vehicle.
She said the vehicle will give the brigade better access into bush areas at the back of many properties in the area.
“It will give us better manoeuvrability in and out of small horse paddocks and yards where the bigger tankers don’t fit,” she said.
Capt Merritt said the brigade would like to thank the community for all their donations.
“We appreciate the support and generosity of the Macclesfield residents,” she said.
“Without their donations purchasing this vehicle would not be possible.”