Kwinana South Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade is celebrating 50 years of serving the community this weekend.
The special event will recognise past and present members who often risk their lives to protect others and property from fires.
The Brigade started as the Wellard East Bush Fire Brigade in 1975, until it changed names 40 years ago to Kwinana South.
Bert Belohlawek, 75, has been an active member of the Brigade for the past 31 years.
“We moved out here on the five acres and just up the road a big fire came through from the direction of the old gun club and it was a mad fire,” Mr Belohlawek said.
“Our house was ok, but the back paddocks caught fire and the trees.
“Overnight all you could hear was big cracking and the limbs falling."
He joined the Brigade not long after and said the comradeship was the main factor in keeping him there for so long.
“I get along with them all, but I’ve said as soon as I become a burden, cut me out,” he said jokingly.
To stay ready for the physical demands of being a volunteer fire fighter Bert keeps active, regularly playing golf and tennis, walking a lot, and he has a swimming pool at home.
Mr Belohlawek and Fire Control Officer Mark Heath are the Brigade’s longest-serving active members, with Mark reaching his 35-year milestone this year.
Mayor Peter Feasey congratulated the Brigade on 50 years of voluntary service and its commitment to the safety of the community within the City and beyond.
Vintage brigade tanker circa 1990s. PIC: Supplied
The station is a second home of sorts to 47 active and dedicated members, 11 of which are women, and the Brigade is one of two volunteer brigades managed by the City of Kwinana.
Members are from all walks of life including engineers, tradesmen and women, teachers, paramedics, police officers and detectives, retirees, military officers, and mums, dads and grandparents.
Kwinana South members attended 82 incidents during the fire season this year and provide key bushfire mitigation services to residents, and the City of Kwinana, by performing hazard reduction burn activities throughout the year.
Members not only fight fires locally but also across the State, and deployed members to the Goldfields and Carnarvon earlier this year.
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