STATION SOS

POLICE PROBE ARSON SUSPICION FIRIES IN BRAVE BID TO SAVE HQ GOVERNMENT TO FUND REBUILD

STEPHEN Clements and his mates stood and watched as fire engulfed their beloved Middleton fire station. Despite years of training, the brave firefighters were almost helpless to stop the fire — the flames and heat pushing them back. Only minutes before they had put themselves at risk by driving one of the brigade’s trucks, which was partialy alight, out of the building so it could be used to help fight the blaze. Tasmania Police have said the station, south of Hobart, may have been deliberately set alight. The State Government is to pay for a $600,000 rebuild.

The Tasmania Fire Service said it would support the rebuild and enable it to happen as soon as possible.

Middleton Fire Brigade members were the first on the scene after receiving reports of a fire about 7pm on Saturday.

Mr Clements said he drove one of the tankers out of the station and in the process burnt his hand on the rollerdoor due to the extreme heat.

“Me and a few others tried to get the truck out to fight it,” he said.

“It [the station] was well engulfed before we got the truck out. We had no other units out there, it’s a bit hard when you’re a firefighter and all your gear is on fire.”

Mr Clements was shattered that the fire may have been deliberately lit.

“We’ve only just finished building an add-on building for undercover training in winter as the station has been growing rapidly,” he said.

He said a replacement Toyota Landcruiser had been provided last night, with a new truck possibly being provided by today.

“It [the truck] still drives but it’s a bit charred,” Mr Clements said. “It’s only 12 months old.”

Tasmania Fire Service acting southern regional chief Paul Salter said driving the truck out of the station was a “high risk activity” but he praised the volunteers for their bravery and dedication to their brigade.

“They were putting themselves at risk but they’re quite passionate about the brigade and their equipment,” Mr Salter said.

He said four or five volunteer firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation and three were treated for burns.

All were treated by Ambulance Tasmania at the scene and one was taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital for further burns treatment.

“Most of the stuff in the actual fire station is pretty much destroyed and the trucks are pretty much destroyed as well,” Mr Salter said.

He said he wanted to reassure the Middleton community it would be supported by surrounding brigades, and a fire truck would be brought into the community.

“For the volunteer brigade members here they’re very, very upset about this, they put a lot of pride into their station,” he said.

“We are committed to rebuilding this station and the brigade.”

Franklin MP Nic Street visited the station yesterday.

Mr Street said the Government would fund the rebuild and equipment replacement, which was estimated to cost $600,000.

“Volunteer fire stations and their brigades are essential infrastructure for small communities such as Middleton,” he said.

He said the station would be rebuilt “when it’s possible”.

Tasmania Police said the fire was suspicious and was being investigated by Kingston CIB.

Acting Inspector Rebecca Davis said there had been other fire in the area recently.

“Kingston detectives are continuing to investigate those matters,” Insp Davis said.

Anyone with information should contact Kingston CIB on 6173 2076 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via crimestopperstas.com.au