Crows Nest Rural Fire Brigade fire

The Queensland Government is committed to assisting the Crows Nest Rural Fire Brigade, north of Toowoomba, to recover after its station was extensively damaged by fire on Friday night.

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said the fire also destroyed two fire appliances as well as operational support equipment including portable water pumps, electric generators, tools, office equipment, training aids, kitchen and a portable water supply tank.

"A full inventory of the losses is being conducted, but it is a major blow to this very active and very important brigade," Mr Roberts said.

"The fire could not have come at a worse time with preparations for the traditional bushfire season well advanced. Indeed extra stores of firefighting foam and protective clothing had been provided to the Crows Nest brigade as part of these preparations," Mr Roberts said.

As an interim measure two fully-equipped appliances have been provided through the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service Rural Operations appliance builder based at Crows Nest and adjoining Rural Fire Brigades.

While the Incident Control Centre (ICC) adjoining the station was undamaged by the fire, it cannot function without the station supporting infrastructure.

As a temporary measure the ICC will be re-established tomorrow (Monday, 21 July) on Monday , with the support of the local council, in one of the Councils offices in Crows Nest.

"QFRS staff will continue to support the brigade at this difficult time. The measures taken so far will ensure the brigade's ongoing operational capacity. Our next priority is for the full recovery of the brigade as swiftly as possible," he said.

The cause of the fire has not been determined.

20 July 2008
Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3247 8194 or 0418 197 350