Competitions and Demos.
The first United demonstration of fire-fighting took place in Melbourne in 1871 and the Warrnambool Brigade sent for members by steamer to take part in it. In 1880 it became a set occurrence in the calendar year, continuing in much the same form ever since. There are now two teams competing from Warrnambool, juniors and seniors.
The key component of the competition is the hose reel, which was used in the past to carry hose and equipment to the fire scene. As was done in the past, the hose is rolled onto the drum (or barrel) in the centre of the reel. Once at the fire, the hose is wound off and put to use as competitors run down the track to the fireplugs, where hydrant is set into the water main and the hose is attached. A ladder is placed at the tower on which a competitor runs to the top with the hose and aims the water to the disc on the ground.
The 1800s and early 1900s were peak times for Warrnambool in these competitions and housed in a massive glass-doored cabinet at the Station is a huge number of silver, crystal and glass trophies and many shields that give so much credit, while the walls are adorned with certificates and photos.
There is always a carnival atmosphere a the firemen’s demonstrations, with parades, parties, sometimes dances and all manner of entertainment, but the most important aspect is the prowess of fire-fighter from Victoria and interstate
The key component of the competition is the hose reel, which was used in the past to carry hose and equipment to the fire scene. As was done in the past, the hose is rolled onto the drum (or barrel) in the centre of the reel. Once at the fire, the hose is wound off and put to use as competitors run down the track to the fireplugs, where hydrant is set into the water main and the hose is attached. A ladder is placed at the tower on which a competitor runs to the top with the hose and aims the water to the disc on the ground.
The 1800s and early 1900s were peak times for Warrnambool in these competitions and housed in a massive glass-doored cabinet at the Station is a huge number of silver, crystal and glass trophies and many shields that give so much credit, while the walls are adorned with certificates and photos.
There is always a carnival atmosphere a the firemen’s demonstrations, with parades, parties, sometimes dances and all manner of entertainment, but the most important aspect is the prowess of fire-fighter from Victoria and interstate
