Bowen Fire Station: A century of service and community spirit
The Bowen Fire Station is hitting a scorching milestone — 100 years of saving lives and serving the community. The station is hosting an open day this Saturday to commemorate this milestone.
Townsville
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The Bowen Fire Station is hitting a scorching milestone — 100 years of saving lives and serving the community.
The station is hosting an open day this Saturday to commemorate this milestone.
Visitors can explore displays of old firefighting equipment and memorabilia, showcasing the evolution of firefighting over the past century.
A highlight of the event will be the original 1924 Model T fire engine, displayed alongside some of Queensland Fire and Rescue’s latest appliances.
This will give visitors a clear view of how firefighting technology has advanced over the years.
The day will also feature demonstrations of hazmat drills, technical rescues, and Road Crash Rescue (RCR) scenarios, offering insight into modern firefighting.
For senior firefighter Ian Patchett, celebrating 100 years isn’t just about the building or the organisation; it’s about 100 years of community service.
“This open day will be a great opportunity for people to come meet their local firefighters and see what we’re about,” he said.
He highlighted the unique challenges faced by Bowen’s stand-alone station, noting that their team must be more versatile than most since the nearest backup is over an hour away at Airlie Beach or Ayr.
“Obviously, being a small community, there’s always the chance that you’re going to turn up to a job where we know somebody,” Mr Patchett said.
He said this close-knit nature of the community adds an extra layer of dedication and commitment to their service.
Bowen firefighters have no shortage of jaw-dropping stories to share, each one a testament to their courage and quick thinking.
Mr Patchett recalls a particularly nailbiting rescue: “We once saved a young lady from the edge of the council building late one night. We had to use two ladders but we managed to get her down safely from the ledge without injuries. That one was a bit tricky, but it was a great result in the end because she was safe.”
The open day will held at 44 Gordon St, Bowen from 9am-3pm on Saturday.
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Originally published as Bowen Fire Station: A century of service and community spirit
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