We remember 50 years on
Past and present members of Hesket-Kerrie Brigade at the brigade’s commemorative plaque for Dennis Collery
Today marks the 50th anniversary of the 1973 Lancefield/Pyalong fire where, tragically, 1st Lieutenant Dennis Collery of Hesket-Kerrie Rural Fire Brigade died as a result of injuries sustained when a tree branch fell across his fire truck.
A third generation CFA member, Dennis was passionate about the role CFA played within communities and the importance of being involved. The branch fell onto the vehicle as the crew was heading back to the station for further instructions.
With massive head injuries, Dennis was rushed to Lancefield Bush Nursing Hospital and from there, to the Royal Melbourne Hospital but the 26-year-old very unfortunately died later that evening.
A man who loved his friends, photography and country footy, Dennis (pictured below) is forever remembered at Hesket-Kerrie brigade, where the annual Firefighter of the Year Award is named in his honour.
On Sunday brigade members, both past and present, had an informal get together to reflect upon their memories of Dennis.
The Lancefield/Pyalong fire started just before 3pm in Feeneys Lane, south-east of the Baynton telephone exchange. Initially spotting eastwards towards Willomavin, a southerly wind change at 6pm turned the path of the fire northward creating a 16 kilometre front.
Suspected as having escaped from a picnic barbecue, the fire took 25 hours to control and six days to extinguish. The fire burnt almost 10,000 hectares of grass and forest area.
There were eight houses lost (five in Lancefield, one at Pyalong and two in Kilmore), seven sheds, one caravan and many kilometres of fencing. Overall stock losses were 3,657 sheep and 41 cattle.
Units involved in fighting the fire included 147 CFA tankers, 74 private tankers, six FCV tankers, 55 Quick-fill pumps, numerous water tankers, 16 bulldozers and eight graders.
Anniversaries of significant events such as this one can bring up difficult memories and feelings including sadness, fear and grief.
Members are reminded that CFA has a range of wellbeing support services that you and your family can access. The CFA Wellbeing Support Line can be contacted on 1800 959 232 and is free, confidential and provides 24/7 access to Psychologists, Counsellors, Peers and Chaplains.