Brigade History

The Riddells Creek Fire Brigade’s proud history now spans over a century. After being established in 1904 by Walter J Smith, the brigade became known as the first ‘bushfire brigade’ in the commonwealth!

During the 2004 Centenary celebrations, brigade member Terri Boydle and a committed research team compiled an impressive publication which details the 100 year history of firefighting in Riddells Creek. The hardbound colour book also explores not only the history of the fire brigade, but the rich history of the township itself and features the new Riddell's Creek Fire Brigade Logo.

For more information or to order a copy of the book check out our Merchandise page.

Significant Dates in Riddell Fire Brigade History

1851	6 February - Black Thursday. Large fire near Cairn Hill, home of John Carre Riddell. Fire was so intense that birds dropped from trees, many animals succumbed and vegetation dried up.
1864	Mill fire sometime after it was built in this year
1899	Mill again gutted by fire
1904	Bush fire brigade set up upon initiation of Walter J. Smith, of the nursery. He became the brigades first Captain. It was the first to be established in the Commonwealth. Transport to the fires in these early years was on horseback and broom beaters were used to fight the fires.
1905	Fire started on the northern slopes of the black ranges and was finally brought under control between Riddells Creek and Clarkefield.
1906	Disastrous flood - many buildings damaged, particularly Smith’s nursery.
1928	Cottage on the Yaamba property was destroyed by fire.
1939	Black Friday
1940’s	Warehouse, near where Poulton’s now is was partially burnt out.
1943	Flax Mill Fire
1945	Flax Stack Fire
1947	1 July - Train crash between Railway Station and the Bridge over Sunbury Road.
1950’s	Brigade gets own bell
1961	January - the township was saved by 100 firefighters fighting a fierce bushfire which descended down Mt Robertson. There was no loss of life
1981	3 January - 120 year old Pub burnt down
	26 January - large fire between Gisborne and Sunbury burnt through brigade area along Sunbury/Riddell Road
1982	New Truck 3.4 International. At time 20 years since brigade had had a new truck
1983	1 February - Fire at Mt Macedon destroyed 18 houses. 60 people took refuge in the Riddells Creek School after evacuating their houses. “It was not long before the entire range became an inferno as it spread toward Riddells Creek”. Houses were lost in Riddells Creek in Yaamba Road and Mt Charlie Road, which included the Yaamba homestead. 6 bulldozers, 76 tankers, RAAF Hercules “Mad Dog” aircraft, 2 helicopters and 2 light aircraft dropped retardants.
	16 February - Ash Wednesday. 28 houses lost in shires of Gisborne, Newham - Woodend and Romsey. All the houses in the Romsey Shire were in Riddells Creek and included several buildings at Rowallen Scout Camp.
1984	New Station opened
1985	New Truck 3.4 Hino - 4x4 Tanker
1990	15 July - Scout Hall burnt down - arson. Fire near Pierce road
1990/91	Gap road fires
1994	NSW Port Stephens and Gosford Striketeams
1997	January - Old Duck Farm fire - Main road NSW Lithgow Striketeams
1998	Major plantation fire at Macedon.
2001/02	NSW Hawkesbury Striketeams
2003	North East and Gippsland fires. Riddell tanker 1 committed for 88 days. 30 personnel from the brigade gave time to assist at these fires.
2003	New 4 x 4 ISUZU Tanker arrives. Replaces our 18 year old Hino.
2004	The Riddells Creek Rural Fire Brigade celebrate their centenary! A large torchlight parade throughout the township in November brings together firefighters from far and wide, an array of modern day and historic firefighting vehicles and representation from our fellow emergency services.
2005	Brigade owned tanker retrofitted to become a "Pumper Tanker" to better serve the urban area of the town.
2006	January - Striketeams to Halls Gap and Anakie in late January as several large fires erupt across Victoria.
2006	March - Brigade member Alex Batty is chosen from 50’000 CFA Volunteers to fly the flag at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.
2006	October - Royal Parade Fire. Several hectares are destroyed in private property in a forest fire during October. The severity of the drought was clearly evident due to the unusually early start to the fire season.
2006/07	Strike teams to the North East Alps and Gippsland areas as 1.2million hectares burn through national and state parks. Riddell Tanker committed to the campaign during December.
2009	February 7, Black Saturday Fires. As many as 400 fires were recorded across Victoria on this day. 173 Victorian lives were lost and over 2030 homes were destroyed. The nearest of the fires to Riddells Creek was the Kilmore East fire which was responsible for the destruction at in the Kinglake area. Firefighters, fire appliances and "Catering and Support" personnel from the brigade assisted with this fire on the day and for the week which followed.