The Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service kick off a year of celebrations with an official launch for the 75th Anniversary on Wednesday, 16 November 2016.
Darwin and Alice Springs Stations will both hold events at 11:00am to unveil the 75 Years logo. Darwin will be showing off their new member hats and Alice Springs will launch a time capsule made from an old brass extinguisher.
The extinguisher will travel to all stations across the NT, each adding their entry along the way. It will then be sealed and placed in the Chief Fire Officers office to be opened on the 100th Anniversary of NTFRS.
Events to mark the 75th Anniversary of the NTFRS include:
- 75th Anniversary coffee table book
- keepsakes such as a dress pin
- a bike ride from Darwin to Yulara - ‘Top to Rock’
- NTFRS Open Days including all Northern Territory Fire Stations
- Historical Displays
- Christmas Parade
- Family Fun Days in community parks
- A Gala Ball
NTFRS – The early years
1923 – No established fire service in the NT in spite of a number of serious fires
1926 – Mounting concern about the lack of fire protection as most buildings contained flammable material. A chemical fire engine is issued to the police.
1941 – Late October the Dennis Light 4 Fire Engine was removed from the naval department and relocated to the temporary fire station. Darwin Brigade is formed and led by Sub-Station Officer Pye.
1942 – The NT Fire Service is the only capital city Australian Fire Service to serve under enemy fire when Darwin was bombed on 19 February, 1942.
1949 – A fire service is established in Alice Springs.
1950’s – A review of the NT Fire Service is undertaken leading to increase in staff and expansion of response to other incidents, not fire related i.e. road crash rescue.
“Fend for yourself with a ‘bucket brigade,” was the common response to fire protection prior to the formative years of the NT Fire and Rescue Service.