Fire brigades join forces

Two bushfire brigades in the Manjimup region have decided to join forces in a bid to better protect the community.

Last week at the AGM, the Middlesex and Jardee bushfire brigades amalgamated into the Diamond Bushfire Brigade.

The amalgamation came about after the brigades approached the shire’s Bush Fire Advisory Committee.

“The Jardee Bushfire Brigade has relied upon Middlesex for suppression activities for several years and both brigades believe that by working together, it will benefit all within the community,” shire community emergency services manager Todd Ridley said.

“Bushfire brigades have existed for over 70 years in WA, however, the Shire of Manjimup Bushfire Brigades were formalised in the early 1970s.”

It is hoped the amalgamation will create a stronger membership base to provide a better response for bushfires, leading to a safer brigade that would benefit all in the community.

“At the moment, the brigade has no headquarters, however the amalgamation will now provide the Shire of Manjimup a strong argument for an Emergency Service Levy submission for a brigade shed and appliance to further benefit the community,” Mr Ridley said.

“The name was chosen as the Diamond State Forest is within the brigade’s boundary.”

At the same time last Wednesday, the Shire of Manjimup also amalgamated Springfield and Pemberton West bushfire brigades as Pemberton West had been inactive for more than 10 years.

The brigade will retain the name Springfield Bushfire Brigade.