- Government opens upgrades to Karratha Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service station
- $1 million improvements funded through the Emergency Services Levy
- New facilities to enhance volunteer training and response to emergencies
Emergency services volunteers in the Pilbara are now better equipped to respond to and train for incidents with major station upgrades completed at the Karratha Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service (VFRS) headquarters.
Officially opening the upgraded station, Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson said the $1 million refurbishment was funded through the Emergency Services Levy and included a new training room, kitchen, office space, tunic room, enhanced change room and additional storage.
Karratha VFRS is a highly active brigade keeping locals and visitors safe during bushfires, cyclones and HAZMAT incidents and responding to critical road crash rescues.
Karratha VFRS celebrated their 50-year anniversary in 2023, with the regional city growing from just 3000 people when the brigade was established to a booming city of more than 22,000 people today.
In the past year, Karratha VFRS’ 25 volunteers have responded to more than 200 incidents, including a HAZMAT truck fire near Karijini and a series of complex bushfires in the West Pilbara in late 2023.
The Cook Government is investing an additional $140 million into providing new equipment, resources, personal protective clothing, and facilities to support our frontline fire and emergency services.
In December, the Minister handed over the keys to a new Urban Pump that can respond to bushfires, structure fires, hazardous material incidents, and road crash rescues.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
“It’s vital that our volunteers have access to the latest equipment and facilities to support them in doing the outstanding job they do.
“With Karratha VFRS and the Pilbara growing significantly in recent years, a modernised station will make a big difference to how the crew trains and responds to incidents.
“The Pilbara is a busy region for travellers and tourists who rely on the skills and experience of our emergency services volunteers to keep them safe.
“On behalf of the Cook Government I want to thank all the volunteers both past and present over the past 50 years for your dedication and commitment in protecting local communities.”
As stated by the Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
“I commend the Cook Government’s investment in upgrading the Karratha VFRS station, ensuring our volunteers have the necessary resources for their crucial roles in protecting our communities.”
“This important refurbishment reflects a continued commitment to supporting our emergency services personnel, empowering them to effectively respond to emergencies and protect the residents and visitors of the Pilbara region for years to come.”
