QFES recognises Arthur, Robyn Burrell’s firefighting history in Bowen

The Burrells have given 20 years of their lives to the Rural Fire Brigades, and spent 50 years together as husband and wife. See how they keep their fire burning.

For almost two decades, Arthur and Robyn Burrell have been involved in the Bowen Rural Fire Brigade and served during fires, car crashes and flood events.

Living outside Bowen on land that’s been in their families for generations is a firefighting power couple.

Bowen Delta Rural Fire Brigade volunteers Arthur and Robyn Burrell have been married for 50 years and fighting fires for 20.

The couple, alongside 88 other dedicated Queenslanders are having their service recognised at the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service Australia Day Awards.

“To this day we might be the only couple who have been silly enough to do this together,” said Robyn, now in her 70s.

The couple met through a mutual friend in 1974, the next night they went on a date at their local drive-in and months later were married.

Arthur "Tek" Burrell repurposed an old Army Blitz into one of the Brigades fire trucks. Photo: contributed

After half a life time of working the land at the Burrell family farm in the 2000’s they decided to “take up the hose”.

“Arthur has lived here all his life, and we figured it was high time to get involved and help out where we could,” Robyn said.

“Our connection (with the Rural Fire Brigade) actually started back when Arthur worked as a panel beater and did up the brigade’s first ever fire truck,”

“We are most proud of seeing how the brigade has grown and evolved. It makes us happy to know we have been a part of it.”

The Burrell’s first call-out as a couple was to an overnight blaze at Euri Creek, but Robyn soon left the firefighting to Arthur.

She went on to support the Bowen Delta Rural Fire Brigade as it’s secretary and treasurer.

Over the past two decades the two have not only fought fires, but also laid sandbags during floods and acted as first responders to traffic collisions. 

First married in 1974 after only a few months of courtship, the Burrells have had many adventures together, the Rural Fire Brigade just being the latest. Photo: contributed

The two have continued to support the brigade in their 70s by “taking up the tongs”.

During a five day bushfire, they fed more than 40 fire and emergency personnel.

“This is a great retirement plan,” joked Arthur Burrell.

Acting QFES Commissioner Steve Smith said, “All recipients of this year’s Australia Day Achievement Awards, and indeed all those within QFES, go above and beyond to keep Queensland safe.

“Through our support we not only honour those on the frontline, but the networks of people who ensure the ongoing safety and care of Queenslanders in times of crisis or emergency.”

The awards ceremony, sponsored by QSuper part of the Australian Retirement Trust, was postponed due to weather concerns caused Ex-Cyclone Kirrily and will be held in late February.

In the meantime the Burrells are looking forward to travelling to the UK on holiday for some well-earned, non-flammable, downtime.