Daniel Watson has been a stalwart of the Deloraine Fire Brigade, serving as Brigade Chief for eight years—a role that may well extend into a third term due to the station’s need for stability and experience. Sitting in the command room of the Deloraine Fire Station, Watson reflected on the challenges and triumphs of the job, which often involves coordinating responses to a wide variety of incidents. From structural fires to car crashes, hazardous material situations, and even flood rescues, the Deloraine Fire Brigade remains at the forefront of emergency response in the Western Tiers region.
Watson explained the brigade’s pivotal role, particularly in structure fires. “We respond to everything from the back of Meander to Westbury and Golden Valley,” he said. “On top of that, we handle car crashes, hazmat jobs, medical emergencies, flood rescues, storm damage—basically, anything we can help with.”
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The brigade’s activity has surged in recent years, a trend that has kept Watson and his team busier than ever. “We normally see about 80 to 90 callouts per year,” he noted, “but last year we had 167, which was a record. This year, we’re already at 122.” While part of the increase was tied to recurring issues with certain premises, Watson cited a general uptick in incidents, particularly motor vehicle accidents.
Among the many memorable callouts, Watson recounted flood rescues from earlier in the year. One involved a driver who had unwisely attempted to cross floodwaters, only to become stranded. “We were lucky enough to have our heavy tanker, which has proven its worth in situations like that,” he said, emphasising the importance of appropriate equipment in such rescues.
When asked about the brigade’s current capacity, Watson was candid. “We have about 22 members, with some as operational support and others as social members. But during a weekday, we might only be able to count on one or two volunteers.” The ideal number, Watson said, would be “five or six members who can drop everything at a moment’s notice,” but he acknowledged the reality of volunteer firefighting—family and work commitments often take precedence. Nonetheless, recent recruits from other brigades moving into the area have provided some much-needed reinforcements.
Volunteering, according to Watson, is open to nearly anyone willing to help. “If you’ve got a pulse and you’re over 18, we’ll find a role for you,” he said with a laugh. While firefighting can be physically demanding, he highlighted the importance of commitment and a positive attitude. “We start kids in junior programs from the age of 12, and they can move up when they’re 18,” he said. Once members have completed basic training, they can start responding to callouts, with opportunities to pursue advanced skills like breathing apparatus operation or sector command.
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But firefighting, Watson stressed, is not for everyone. “It might be the best thing you’ve ever done, or the worst,” he said, noting that social roles within the brigade are equally valuable. For those not inclined to don a helmet and boots, there are opportunities in administration or operations support. “I’m not great with paperwork, so we have members who help with that,” he joked, “making sure I don’t swear in emails or misspell things.”
Although firefighting is often portrayed dramatically in movies, Watson downplayed the risk, while acknowledging that there are moments of real danger. “It’s not like Backdraft,” he said, referencing the 1991 Hollywood film, “but we do put ourselves in harm’s way when necessary. We have a saying: ‘Risk a lot to save a lot.’ If lives are at risk, we’ll push ourselves, but we’re always trained, and I’d never ask anyone to do something I wouldn’t do myself.”
Beyond the brigade’s immediate work, Watson offered practical advice for fire safety at home, especially as summer approaches. “Now’s the time to start prepping your house,” he urged. Clearing vegetation, cleaning gutters, and developing an emergency plan are all crucial steps. Watson also stressed the importance of maintaining smoke detectors and being mindful of hazards like charging lithium-ion batteries. For more guidance, he recommended the Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) website, though the Deloraine Brigade has also been making “fire hack” videos on their Facebook and Instagram pages for a more lighthearted approach to safety.
For those interested in joining the brigade, Watson encouraged them to visit their local station or contact the TFS directly. The process begins with some paperwork and a police check, followed by basic firefighting training. From there, volunteers can take on more responsibilities depending on their interests and commitment.
Watson’s experience also extends to larger-scale events, including multi-brigade responses and month-long campaigns like the Central Highland fires a few years ago. While he’s yet to deploy interstate, the brigade has regularly sent members to assist with bushfires in New South Wales and Victoria. Whether responding to a house fire in Deloraine or a raging bushfire on the mainland, Watson and his team remain committed to protecting the community they serve.
As summer looms, Watson’s advice is clear: Be prepared, stay informed, and, if you’re able, consider volunteering. The brigade, like so many others, is always in need of more hands—whether they’re steering the truck or helping from behind the scenes.
