Historical information

This fire fighter's scythe was donated by the Emerald Fire Brigade which was established on 14 March 1941 as the Emerald Bush Brigade. Originally its equipment was stored at Madigan's butcher's shop near the corner of Monbulk Road. The Brigade's first fire station was built around 1945. In 1966, this station was recorded as containing the fire truck and a Land rover pumper, three radio sets, 40 knapsacks, six lengths of hose, helmets, rake hoes and other hand tools. In 2010, the Brigade moved into a new purpose-built building in Monbulk Road. This scythe, also known as a fern hook, dates from the 1950s to 1960s.

Significance

This fire fighter's scythe was used by members of a crucial volunteer fire fighting service operating in the Emerald district since 1941.

Physical description

One Firefighter scythe (Fern Hook) consisting of a long wooden pole with curved blade attached at the end. The blade has a canvas protective sleeve.

Inscriptions & markings

None