The Country Fire Authority sets a 25-year use-by date for trucks. One of Brimpaen’s trucks is older than that.

Brimpaen captain Rod Miller said the nature of the brigade’s surrounds meant it was crucial for fire-fighting resources to be at full strength.

“We have one of the biggest brigade areas south of Horsham and we are in a bad fire zone – that’s for sure – so we do need the extra truck,” he said.

“The CFA has a use-by date on the trucks so when they’re 25 years old they have to be replaced. If anything goes wrong after that, we have to foot the bill.” 

Mr Miller said the brigade hoped for money from the State Government’s Victorian Emergency Services Equipment Program.

One of the program’s priorities is the replacement of aged fire-fighting appliances.

“Aside from the grant if we’re successful, we have to raise about $12,000 in donations,” he said.

Mr Miller joined the CFA 27 years ago at the age of 14.

He said the 55,100-hectare Grampians bushfire in January was the worst he had seen.

“I was away on holidays and I got back on the Thursday, there was another lightning strike at Glenisla,” Mr Miller said.

“By midnight they had called us up to Brimpaen because all hell had broken loose.

“Hopefully we don’t see a fire like it again.”

The brigade has had a rich history since its inception in 1939.

After registering with the CFA in 1945, it bought an ex-army blitz truck.

Many vehicles and fires later, Mr Miller said he hoped people would support the brigade to continue its long association with the community.

“There will be a fundraising letter sent to residential and non-residential property owners asking for donations,” he said.

He said donations could be made by calling Brimpaen brigade secretary-treasurer Andrew Chincarini on 0427 972 271 or sent directly to 1085 Henty Highway, Brimpaen 3401.