Garage sale will help brigade pay for vital equipment

The Waggrakine Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade is seeking funds to buy a piece of equipment that will help them put out fires more effectively.

A thermal imaging camera — which can cost between $1200 and $2000 — will help firefighters determine where the “hotspots” of a particular fire are, so they can douse the flames more quickly.

Firefighter Russell Hayes described the camera as a valuable tool that would prevent “time-wasting” during fire mop-ups.

“It really is a key item,” Mr Hayes said.

“We’d also like to get a range of safety equipment for the firefighters and the cadets in our program.”

Mr Hayes is spearheading a fundraiser next month to help pay for the brigade’s wish list.

Residents are asked to donate items the brigade can spruik at a garage sale next month, the proceeds of which will support the purchase of equipment.

Mr Hayes said it was initiatives such as this, from the brigade’s leadership team, that was resulting in a healthy firefighting team.

“We could always do with more members of course,” he said.

“But we’re not struggling to the extent some of the other volunteer units around WA are.

“I think it’s just due to the activities that the brigade is running and our proactive nature.”

The garage sale will be held at the brigade’s Sutcliffe Road headquarters on August 18. To donate money or items for sale, phone Kevin Forrester on 0428 930 211.