Glen Park Fire Station targeted by thieves

Fire fighters from a brigade near Ballarat will be forced to face soaring temperatures and dangerous conditions this weekend without vital equipment.

The Glen Park Fire Brigade was broken into between Sunday midnight and Monday morning with equipment stolen.

A fire brigade has been left “devastated” after thieves stole vital equipment ahead of a scorching weekend.

The Glen Park Fire Station was broken into between Sunday midnight and Monday morning.

Among the equipment stolen was a brand new Engel fridge that had been purchased through community fundraising, to provide volunteers with cold water while out on the fire ground and battling blazes.

Chainsaws, a box of helmet torches, and a first aid kit were also taken.

Glen Park Fire Brigade captain Tracey Webber said her 25-strong member team was gutted their “close community” had been targeted ahead of a weekend the mercury is set to soar.

“We are absolutely devastated that someone would target emergency services volunteers in the first place, but to do it in the heart of summer is just ridiculous,” she said.

“And now while we’re waiting for that equipment to be replaced, it puts our lives at risk and the public in danger because we no longer have that equipment.

“If they can return the stuff it would be appreciated, but they need to hand themselves in and if anyone has any information on it, if they can contact the police.”

Capt Webber said the brigade would now eat up their community donations, which could have been used for more equipment, to purchase cameras and an alarm for the station.

She said the CFA was working quickly to replace the equipment, but without it her brigade would not be able to respond to certain jobs.

“If we get a call from the community to help with a storm or something, now we’re going to have call a neighbouring brigade,” Capt Webber said.

“Eighty per cent of Creswick State Forest is in our area if a tree comes down in front of us, we no longer have the facilities to cut the tree away and get away ….in a bushfire it puts ourselves in danger.”

A Victoria Police spokesman confirmed the burglary was under investigation.

Anyone with information that could assist police with their enquiries is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au