When 16-year-old Alan Lancaster joined his local fire brigade on a Kalimna West farm alongside his father, the brigade consisted of just eight volunteers operating under a simple recruitment motto: “Right-o boys, bring your sons in!”
Five decades later, Mr Lancaster’s dedication to regional fire safety remains unchanged. After moving to Metung, he went on to serve as Metung CFA Captain for 20 years and was recently awarded a 50-year service medal. Today, he continues his lifelong commitment as the brigade’s Community Liaison Officer.
His milestone comes as the Metung CFA prepares for future growth. The brigade is currently applying for funding to secure a smaller, agile rapid-response tanker and specialised nautical safety gear.
To house the expanding fleet and equipment, plans are underway for a new three-bay concrete and steel station. Having outgrown its current Wood Street facility — itself built after the original station was converted into a community arts shed — the brigade has purchased a new block of land following a strong fundraising response from local residents.
Located on the corner of Hardy and Metung Roads, the new site sits adjacent to East Gippsland Shire land, placing volunteers in closer proximity to council’s municipal fire prevention officer.
The station expansion arrives as climate drivers point toward a heightened risk of bushfires across Eastern Australia.
Increasing surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean and a strengthening El Niño pattern are driving extreme seasonal conditions, mirroring the weather drivers that preceded the catastrophic 2019/20 Black Summer fires.
With forecasters warning of above-average temperatures across East Gippsland — from Mallacoota and Omeo through to South Gippsland — Mr Lancaster is urging residents to avoid complacency and prepare early.
“People need to make a clear fire plan as a family or group, gather important personal documents, and be ready to leave before they see flames,” Mr Lancaster said.
Reflecting on past Alpine forest fires, Mr Lancaster noted that bushfires create extreme local conditions, consuming vast amounts of oxygen and displacing air rapidly.
Emergency services emphasise that early self-evacuation remains the safest strategy, as official evacuation orders can only be issued by Victoria Police under extreme conditions.
Residents seeking advice on bushfire survival plans and property preparation are encouraged to contact their local CFA brigade or visit the official CFA website ahead of summer.
