Fire on the Limestone Plains/Bush Fire Organisation’s/The Bush Fire Control Organisation

On Monday 14 November 1927 the Bush Fire Control Organization had its inaugural meeting. The Chief Fire Controller was Mr M. R. Jacobs (Chief Forester). The Organization setup fire depots at MacDonald's Camp near Weetangera, Weavers' Property near Stromlo, Maxwells' Property at The Rivers, Gregorys' Property at Kambah and Horans' Property near the Yarralumla. The equipment at these depots included fire carts, beaters, rakes & axes, with horses for the fire carts being supplied by various Rural Lessees.

The following lessees have been appointed fire controllers in their respective districts: J. Edlington (Tuggeranong) ; T. Cargill (Yarralumla); D. Tully (Stromlo): A. N. Shepherd (Weetangera); E Bondfield and M. Cavanagh (Ginninderra); E. Shumack (Ainslie); .J. Mayo (Majura); D. Murray (Mill Flat); H. C. A. Reid (Tidbinbilla).

In 1932 the Bush Fire Control Organisation was reviewed when the Federal Territory (Rural) Lessees’ Association with a view to strengthening the Departmental Organisation obtained the ready co-operation of its members in the creation of bushfire control districts throughout the leased areas of the Territory outside the City Area. Ten (10) such districts were formed and Fire Controllers appointed for each district, the local landholders forming the control. Deputy Controllers were subsequently appointed in each district and arrangements made for co-operation by landholders outside the Territory, particularly on the northern and western boundaries. Duties of Controllers It was arranged that the undermentioned duties would be performed by district Controllers:-

• To take charge of all fire fighting equipment supplied by the Department;
• To make an inventory of all available fire fighting equipment the property of landholders in the district;
• To organise the fire fighting resources of the district;
• To take charge of operations in the event of an outbreak of fire in conjunction with official fire controllers;
• To attend meetings of Fire Control Officers. The Deputy Controllers will deputise for the Controller during his absence and generally assist the Controller during fire fighting operations.