Blue Mountains News

Deputy Premier Paul Toole MP and NSW RFS Deputy Commissioner Peter McKechnie joined NSW RFS members and guests at the new $830,000 Burma Road fire station to mark the occasion and reminisce on its history.

The station was rebuilt on its former site after the Green Wattle Creek fire tore through the region and burnt the original shed to the ground in 2019.

The rebuild commenced construction in July 2021 and was completed this month. The new station includes three truck bays, a multipurpose room and a mobile phone booster along with improved facilities for volunteers.

Deputy Premier Toole said the brigade had held its own during the devastating 2019-20 fire season and needed its station returned to its former glory.

"The Jenolan Caves Brigade was instrumental in protecting the historic Jenolan Caves House as flames bore down on its doorstep but sadly, their station couldn't be saved," Deputy Premier Toole said.

"It is so pleasing to see the brigade's resilience and its commitment to rebuild. The Jenolan Caves is a must-see destination for many tourists and can see hundreds of people pour into the area so it's vital the NSW RFS has the facilities to be prepared for any incidents."

Deputy Commissioner McKechnie said the Jenolan Caves Rural Fire Brigade was established in 1979 and the volunteer firefighters then worked out of a single bay shed,

"Today, the brigade has 32 active members who are kept busy responding to fires, motor vehicle crashes, and supporting other agencies as well as conducting vital hazard reduction burns and educating people on bush fire safety.

"The brigade has not only helps protect their own community but have been called on to assist their Chifley/Lithgow District colleagues to fight large fires in Bathurst, Oberon and the Gospers Mountain fire in 2019." He said.