Cessnock fire station celebrates 100 years

19th September 2009

Ministerial media release

Emergency Services Minister Steve Whan today congratulated firefighters for more than 100 years of exemplary service and hard work at Cessnock fire station.

Members of the NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB), including current and retired firefighters, attended a morning tea at the fire station this morning to mark the milestone.

"One hundred years ago local volunteer firemen were answering the call pulling a hose reel as they ran to fires and protecting a small population and local businesses," Mr Whan said.

"Today firefighters provide emergency response faster than ever before and are supported by the best training and equipment to respond to a diverse range of emergency situations to protect the community."

Mr Whan said Cessnock fire station attended 468 emergency calls in the 2008/09 financial year and was actively involved in community education and fire prevention awareness programs.

"In addition to fighting fires and attending rescues and chemical spills, firefighters are making people more aware of fire safety with education programs," he said.

"Last year the Cessnock Fire Brigade conducted more than 195 fire safety events such as FireEd, RescuEd for school children and the Smoke Alarm Battery Replacement scheme for the Elderly where they assist senior citizens in replacing their smoke alarm batteries."

NSWFB Acting Assistant Commissioner Marcus Baker thanked all firefighters past and present for the vital role they play in protecting the Cessnock community during emergencies.

"It is important to recognise the contribution of our firefighters, volunteers and emergency services personnel who put their lives on the line to protect residents in their moment of extreme need," Acting Assistant Commissioner Baker said.

"I would like to thank the men and women who have worked tirelessly to protect lives, homes and businesses under threat from fire, hazards, entrapment and other emergencies - they are a credit to themselves and the wider Hunter community they serve."

Highlights of Cessnock fire station:

• The idea of a local brigade arose in 1906 when fire gutted a local store in the township


• Firefighters attended their first major fire at Messrs Lane and Quinn's store on


• 27 September 1909 and successfully brought the blaze under control and protected nearby buildings.


• Today the station accommodates two full-time Station Officers and 16 retained firefighters who respond to a range of emergencies including fires, rescues and hazardous material incidents. The station provides fire and hazardous materials coverage to the residents of Cessnock.


• In recent years Cessnock firefighters have responded to major incidents including the Drayton's winery explosion, which tragically claimed two lives and seriously injured another winery employee.

Cessnock fire station celebrates 100 years (PDF 90KB)