1990

During the month of May, the Brigade sent crews to Nyngan, in the North West to assist in flood relief. Nine members attended.

          On the 23rd December the Brigade attended Warringah Shire fires.

          On the 23rd December the Brigade attended Gosford Shire fires.

          On the 27th December the Brigade attended Rylestone Shire fires.

          On the 6th January 1991 the Brigade attended Campbelltown fires.

1991

During the year, five long serving members were granted Life Membership of the Brigade. Those members being – Messer’s. Col Bloomfield, Jeff Ireson, Denis Preston, Kevin Dimmock and Brian Wettengel.

1992

Reasonably quiet year for fire activity so the social  committee planned a social event during the year. This was a “Beach Party” which was held in the fire station.

The tankers were moved out, six ton of sand moved in, heaps of seafood purchased and the party began.

The Brigade members attended Dot Watchorn’s funeral. Another sad occasion.

1993

The brigade again attended out of area fires, this time to Campbelltown again (41F) on the 31st December and also Grafton on the Far North Coast (41F) on the 31st December.

1994

One of the Shires worst fires hit on the 6th January and continued until the 10th January.

Fires started at Menai, jumped the Woronora River and continued on through to West Como. Many homes were lost plus one fatality.

The Royal National Park was not untouched either as fires raced towards Maianbar and Bundeena. All in all the Brigade not only attended the Shire’s fires but also out of area fires.

From the fire controls officers yearly report 1993/1994 the year for fires was most demanding.

During the 1993/1994 fire season, Brigade’s attended:-

         136 bushfires

         10 building fires

         20 motor accidents

         38 motor vehicle fires

         65 false alarms

         49 other incidents

In excess of 16,000 hectares of the Shire burnt.

1993/1994 fires man hours worked  42,736

              102 houses suffered greater than 50% damage

              70 houses suffered less than 50% damage

              1 civilian fatality

              2 civilian major injuries

New Government Radio Network (GRN) radios fitted to tankers. Minor problems occurring.

1995

A new personnel carrier was generously donated to the brigade during the year from the funds raised by the Engadine / Heathcote parish of the Uniting church of Australia. The new vehicle being a Toyota Landcruiser at a ceremony held at the Station, The Rev. Harold Smart handed the keys over to the Captain.

New tanker delivered and now at station. All members are to ensure that they are conversant and  to familiarize the vehicle and the position of equipment on board. The new tankers designated call sign Engadine 1381.

1996

A directive was issued by the NSW police that seat belts fitted to all vehicles. I.e. tankers, support vehicles etc. must be worn at all times. The only exception being on medical grounds that may inhibit your driving. In the case of off road driver seat belts may not be used.

The last twelve months has been one of the quietest for some time, but the brigade did attend some fires as well as other incidents. Total man hours was 435hrs 52min.

The Brigade attended the Warringah Shire field day held on 11th August and came home with the following results:

         2nd place – visitor’s tanker event.

         2nd place - tanker and hand tool event.

         3rd place - overall Warringah District Champions.

         A great effort by all who attended.

1997

The Sutherland Shire Bush Fire Brigades have been re-named as “ The Rural Fire Service“ within the state of NSW. A new Rural Fire Service act commenced on the 1st September 1997.

November and December saw the Brigade turn out to fires at Padstow, Heathcote Rd, Garrawarrah, Maddens Plains, Appin, Lucas Heights and major fires in the western side of Engadine.

A very busy time from the 14th November up until the 6th December, with a loss of 10 houses, but with the saving of in excess of 1200. Tragically another Brigade’s member lost their life during this incident.

1998

During the year the Brigade attended the funeral of long serving and life member of the brigade George Smith. George was the Brigade’s longest serving President to date and a most experienced fire fighter. He was well known throughout the brigade’s in the Shire and was very experienced in fire fighting and administration.

On the 22nd  October the brigade took possession of a new tanker  1381.

1999

Council has now started to issue the new two piece protection overalls and jackets. So far only a few people have received them, the rest will be issued when sizes are available.

The Royal National Park now requires seven days notice of brigade’s entry to conduct training or trail familiarization. Brigade to write to the FCO to seek clarification.

From the 15th April up until the 2nd May, the Brigade was actively involved in storm damage and hail that hit the Sutherland shire. The brigade spent many hours tarping up roofs in the Caringbah / Lilli Pilli areas and also throughout the Eastern Suburbs, after the storm also went through that area.

Approx. 24 members put in 1401 hours.