Bellbird Fire Brigade marks 100 years of service in the Hunter

newy.com.au – Bellbird Fire Brigade has marked 100 years of service, celebrating a century since it was formed in the wake of one of the Hunter Region town’s darkest days.

Fire and Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Michael Morris joined local firefighters at Bellbird Fire Station today to commemorate the milestone and recognise the generations of firefighters who have served the community since 1925.

The brigade was established after a coal disaster in Bellbird, where 21 miners were killed in an underground explosion. Its first crew was made up of four volunteer firefighters using a hand-drawn hose reel, later replaced by a horse-drawn cart pulled by two Clydesdales.

During World War II, the Bellbird brigade grew to six firefighters, with another six allocated as reserves. It moved to the station’s present site in 1948, when the facility consisted of a single garage and toilet.

The station’s future was under threat by the early 1990s, when its crew had fallen to six firefighters and it was set for closure. Community support, backing from the region’s then-commander and bravery awards given to local firefighters for their bushfire efforts helped save the station. The brigade was increased to 12 firefighters and a new station was built after windstorm damage to the building.

Over the past century, 220 Bellbird has responded to major emergencies in the Hunter and across NSW. They include a large bushfire that destroyed several buildings in Weston and Kurri Kurri in December 2023 and threatened a local hospital, major flooding events on the north coast in 2021, 2022 and 2025, and a fatal fire that destroyed a Pokolbin winery in January 2008.

The brigade also responded to a deliberately lit fire behind Cessnock racecourse in October 2002, which spread into several communities and resulted in one death and the destruction of 13 homes, as well as a 1970 fire that destroyed two classrooms at Bellbird Public School.

FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell AFSM said the centenary was a significant moment for the brigade and the wider region.

“To operate for 100 years is a tremendous achievement and a testament to what our people mean to this region,” Commissioner Fewtrell said.

“I’m honoured to be in the Hunter to celebrate with the firefighters who have proudly represented the Bellbird community and answered the call when their help has been needed across the state.

“Today is an opportunity to commemorate those who have served Bellbird over the last century and to thank the firefighters who will continue to work tirelessly for this growing community.”

State Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr said the anniversary recognised both the history of the station and the firefighters who had served through emergencies of all kinds.

“From bushfires to house fires and everything in between, our firefighters have been there on the worst days, putting themselves in harm’s way to keep others safe. Today we honour the history of this station and the extraordinary service of the firefighters who have worn its uniform,” Mr Barr said.

“As our community has grown and changed, the station and its firefighters have adapted and stood ready. This centenary anniversary is a chance to say thank you, to remember those who served before us, and to commit to supporting our firies for the next hundred years and beyond.”