Ross Kitson was humble in his award nomination, thinking it was the volunteers who were owed the most thanks.
Camera IconRoss Kitson was humble in his award nomination, thinking it was the volunteers who were owed the most thanks. Credit: Supplied/Marcelo Palacios

Bushfires burnt into his memory

Sarah Waters, Comment NewsComment News

The station officer and career fire fighter of 35 years, has been named as a finalist in the 2013 Firefighting Awards, which recognise exceptional commitment in protecting the community.

For the past 15 years, Mr Kitson’s experience has been drawn on to co-ordinate the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) display at the annual SmokeFree WA Kelmscott Show.

The display educates residents about fire safety and gives them the opportunity to talk in person with emergency service professionals.

‘Many years ago’ Mr Kitson started as a volunteer at Kelmscott Bush Fire Brigade, before moving to Armadale Fire Station, where he has spent the past 30 years, working as a career firefighter.

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He has fought every kind of blaze imaginable and been involved in numerous rescue operations, but the 2011 Kelmscott-Roleystone bushfires has stuck firmly in his memory.

‘It stands out for all the wrong reasons. There was just so much destruction’