Brief use of fire truck

LAUNCHING Place CFA briefly enjoyed the use of its own fire truck over Christmas and the new year period, but has already lost the vehicle to strike teams around the state.
The truck arrived at the Don Valley sub-station before Christmas only to be taken away again on Tuesday, 3 January.
Launching Place CFA assistant secretary Sue Hoffman said it was handy to have the vehicle if only for a short time, especially since it was used in response to three fires during its stay in Don Valley.
The first of those calls came from Warburton just five minutes into the new year.
Ms Hoffman said the tanker, a relief vehicle usually employed to replace broken down trucks, was only ever going to be a temporary solution.
She said Don Valley had to play the waiting game again and, with a hot summer coming the odds of a change to the current situation, were ‘fairly poor’.
“I don’t think anything’s going to make much difference. The CFA’s only got limited money and there are brigades all over the state in need, just like us.
“It’s the same old story. We’re just one of many competing for a limited bucket of money,” she said.
Ms Hoffman said one thing that could make a big difference for Launching Place CFA was a strong show of community support in the forthcoming family fun day.
The event, set to take place at Archery Park on Sunday, 29 January, will feature market stalls and attractions for adults and children, with all profits going to Launching CFA and Upper Yarra SES.