LONG-time volunteer firefighter John Rhodes is reeling after someone stole the fire unit he kept on his Mt Helena property.
“It is a low act for someone to steal a piece of equipment that was there to benefit the community, and when the fire season is about to start, ” he said.
His immediate neighbours knew the equipment was available for their use in the case of a fire and emergency.
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READ NOW“I put the kit together for community use and had a laminated sign made up with instructions, in case I was out when a fire started,” he said.
“In 47 years of living here, this has never happened. It’s heartbreaking.”
The $3000 unit was used to save properties in the 2014 fire storm that raged through Stoneville, Parkerville and Mt Helena.
It was stolen between Wednesday and Thursday night and consisted of a green trailer a 1000 litre water pod, Honda engine and pump with a 30m hose.
The volunteer firefighter runs a small kennel with his wife Myra on their 1.2ha property and friends have offered the Stoneville fire brigade president temporary use of a trailer and water pod.
Mundaring Police are appealing for the thief to return the equipment.
Anyone who sees the stolen unit should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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