The Brigade’s early days were marked by determination and hard work but the mission was clear; to provide critical support to firefighters during bushfire emergencies.

The seeds of our Brigade were sown in 2000, when a group of dedicated members from the Wanneroo Central Bush Fire Brigade began exploring the possibility of forming a Fire Support Brigade. Over the next 3 years they researched, planned and prepared for the launch of their initiative.

The first Brigade Captain Darragh Wills observed that effective incident management is only as strong as the control and flow of information that supports it. This insightful remark highlights the critical importance of clear communication, timely information sharing and coordinated decision making in any emergency response situations.

The first official meeting of the Wanneroo Fire Support Brigade took place in April 2003. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in our history. Our founding team consisted of a Captain, Lieutenant and Secretary, who together laid the foundation for our brigade’s future growth and success.

In the early days of the brigade 3 vital assets were acquired including a Fire Control Unit, a collar tank and a mobile canteen trailer.  These initial equipment purchases enabled us to provide critical support, water supply and personnel welfare.

Today we boast a team of approximately 45 dedicated volunteer members. Our brigade plays a critical role in supporting the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), City of Wanneroo Bushfire Brigades, State Emergency Service (SES) and other agencies.

In addition to expanding its fleet and capabilities the brigade has also taken on new roles and responsibilities within the emergency services community.

Our volunteers are committed to providing emergency response and support services 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. We operate on a rotating roster, ensuring that our community receives timely and effective assistance whenever required.

The brigade is passionate about supporting our community and beyond.  We engage with local residents through various initiatives including community events, fundraising activities, cadet programs, school visits and education sessions.  Whether it’s flipping sausages at a Bunnings BBQ or teaching kids about fire safety we’re committed to building stronger, more resilient communities.

The City of Wanneroo response area spans an impressive 786 square kilometers showcasing a rich tapestry of Western Australia’s unique landscape. From the rugged coastal dunes and limestone formations to the dense canopies of pine plantations to the swamps, dense bushland, rural properties, residential areas and national parks, each presenting its own set of challenges and hazards.  Our team must be prepared to respond to emergencies in a wide range of environments, from urban interfaces to remote wilderness areas.

Our brigade now boasts a modern and versatile fleet of vehicles and equipment designed to support effective incident management and response. At the heart of our operations is a state-of-the-art Incident Control Vehicle (ICV) serving as a mobile command centre for strategic decision-making. Complementing the ICV is a 12,000-litre water tanker (12.2) providing critical water supply capabilities for firefighting.  Our Fire Support Vehicle (FSV) offers additional flexibility capable of being utilized as a mini ICV when required. Further reinforcing our response capabilities are two collar tanks, a mobile canteen trailer, generators and a repeater. Every vehicle in our fleet is equipped with Starlink satellite communication technology, ensuring reliable and seamless connectivity – even in remote or disaster-affected areas.

Today, the Wanneroo Fire Support Brigade is a respected and integral part of Western Australia’s emergency services network. The Brigade continues to evolve, adapting to new challenges and opportunities. As the brigade looks to the future, it’s members remain focused in their core mission of providing exceptional support to firefighters and the community, whenever and wherever its needed.