In 1930, the Pleasant Hills Fire Brigade relied on hand pumps, Furphy water carts, wheat bags, and fire beaters. By 1950, equipment included a belt-driven centrifugal pump and home-made mop-up units. The first fire shed was located at Lewington’s transport on the corner of Hughes and Cullen Streets.
In 1956, a major fire starting at Boree Creek was eventually contained at Osborne after a fox reignited the blaze. Kevin Terlich served as fire captain during this era. In the 1960s, the Lockhart Shire was the first regional shire to receive two-way radios, significantly improving communication during fires.
Over the decades, the brigade upgraded from a 1930 Chev Maple truck to Bedford, Mitsubishi, and eventually modern Isuzu tankers. The Urangeline East Brigade merged with Pleasant Hills during the 1960s, leading to the establishment of the southern station.
Trevor Terlich