Station Focus: Wentworth Falls Fire Brigade (1943-2024)

Wentworth Falls' Third Fire Station [Image courtesy of Wentworth Falls Fire Brigade]

Establishment of a Wentworth Falls Sub-Station and Brigade 

In 1937 suggestions were made for the establishment of a sub-station in Wentworth Falls. The sub-station would be equipped with a hose cart, and other necessary equipment for the fighting of bushfires. This would eventuate in 1943 with the establishment of the sub-station comprised originally of 10 Auxiliary Reserve Corps members, which consisted of members of the public taught by a local brigade in firefighting techniques, similar to the Community Fire Units of FRNSW today. The Auxiliary Reserve Corps was attached to the Katoomba Brigade for such training purposes. The hose and other equipment allocated to the sub-station were originally going to be installed at the Wentworth Falls School of Arts, however, were rearranged and stored under lock and key in a small shed in the post office. The sub-station would receive their first engine, No. 224 Dennis 250/400, in 1944.  

1944 Dennis 250/400 me 224 parked on the Great Western Highway, c.1940s-1950s. [Museum of Fire Collection]

Following the placement of the No.224 Dennis 250/400 at Wentworth Falls, requests were made in December 1944 to appoint all members of the Brigade on a volunteer basis. Auxiliary Firefighters did not carry the same responsibilities as volunteer firefighters, for example they were not able to drive the fire engine. At this time, the brigade was manned by 3 volunteer, and 7 auxiliary firefighters. Wentworth Falls achieved the status of a Volunteer Brigade, no longer being a sub-station of Katoomba in October 1945. This change in status also saw firefighter In-Charge Leslie Ball appointed Captain in November 1945.  

Wentworth Falls’ Second Fire Station 

Whilst the establishment and permanent placement of a motor engine at Wentworth Falls was welcomed by the Blue Mountain Shire Council, this raised issues regarding the engine’s permanent housing. During this period, the fire engine and all relevant equipment were housed in a remodelled butcher shop owned by Councillor Miller on the understanding that the premises would be restored to its original condition once the engine was recalled, and the premises were no longer needed to serve as a fire station. Whilst the intentions were for it to be temporary, the Brigade would be based at this address until the construction of a new station building in 1968.  

Wentworth Falls’ Third Fire Station 

By the 1960s the conditions of the converted butchers-shop-turned-fire-station, coupled with the owner’s desire for his butcher’s shop returned to its original use resulted in the investigation into a new site ideal for a purpose-built fire station to be erected. The need to purchase new land was further prompted in 1961 by the passing of E.S.H. Miller, the owner of the shop in which the Brigade was based. The Board declined to purchase the existing site, instead looking to alternate locations. For a purpose-built station, a number of lots were considered, however, were deemed unsuitable as a result of the area’s topography. By 1966 however, the Board found suitable land and purchased Lot 7 at Cascade Street, ready to begin construction. The building would be completed by February 1968, with the Brigade occupying the Station later that same month. In 1998 the Station received major renovations with the installation of a second engine bay, lockers, a breathing apparatus store, and leisure space.   

Wentworth Fall's Fourth Fire Station 

In 2020 the process began to establish a new fire station for the Wentworth Falls Brigade, providing a substantial upgrade from their 1968 Station. The urban development and the unique environment of the bushfire-prone region of the Blue Mountains meant that the station would need to align with more modern firefighting practices and provide modern facilities.  The upgraded station saw to the introduction of key initiatives such as the “clean fire station” which sees to the deliberate separation of work and leisure spaces for firefighters, enhanced response capabilities, enhanced training facilities and updated amenities to meet the requirements of a diverse Fire Brigade.  

Designs for the new station were produced in December 2020 with construction to follow in early 2022. During this time of construction, the Wentworth Falls Brigade would temporarily re-locate to the Wentworth Falls Rural Fire Station. Construction ultimately finished in November of 2022 with the crew able to move back into their newly constructed Station in March 2023.  

Wentworth Falls' Fourth Fire Station, 2023 [Image Courtesy of Wentworth Falls Fire Brigade]

Wentworth Falls Fleet 

Year	Make/Model	Number	Type
1944	Dennis 250/400 ohv	224	Pumper
1959	Morris Composite	131	Pumper
1980	Ford Thames	176	Pumper
1980	International C1600	464	Pumper
1985	International 1810C	259	Pumper
1996	Mercedes LA911B 4x4	713	Pumper
2001	International 1810C	165	Pumper
2002	Isuzu FTR-800 4x2	486	Tanker
2004	Isuzu FTS-750 4x4	728	Tanker
2009	Isuzu FTR-900	579	Tanker
2022	Isuzu FTS-800 4x4	-	Tanker
2023	Isuzu FTS-750 4x5	749	Tanker

Want to learn more about the history of Wentworth Falls Fire Brigade? You can purchase a copy of the Wentworth Falls station book either in-store or online by visiting www.museumoffire.net/product-page/station-books

- Story by Museum of Fire Heritage Team