Burglars broke into Timmering CFA station overnight on Wednesday, October 28, stealing thousands of dollars worth of operational equipment.
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Volunteer firefighters are shattered after burglars struck Timmering CFA station for the second time in four months.
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Thousands of dollars worth of emergency equipment was stolen in the overnight raid, leaving volunteers frustrated and concerned about the impact rural thefts could have on emergency response during the fire season, set to start on November 9.
Captain Michael Mckinlay described the break-in as a "kick in the guts" for a brigade who has spent months preparing to protect its community this summer.
"It is gut-wrenching to have this happen once, twice is unfathomable, especially with the substantial effort our members have put into preparing for the rapidly approaching fire season," he said.
"This was important operational equipment, including items that had just been replaced from the previous break-in. It’s equipment that our members, volunteers and community have obtained through fundraising and generous donations."
Police alerted Mr Mckinlay to the break-in about 2.30am on Thursday after noticing the station's doors were open and lights were on.
A passing motorist is believed to have interrupted the thieves, who fled after ransacking the station and its fire trucks.
"They've gone through all the trucks. They've pulled things off the wall. They've made an effort to figure out what's there and what's valuable," Mr Mckinlay said.
Stolen items included radios, a pressure washer and other equipment worth an estimated $8000 to $10,000.
The theft follows another burglary at the station in July, when thieves stole pumps, lighting equipment, garden tools and a defibrillator.
"Why would you steal a defibrillator?" Mr Mckinlay said.
"It's the most critical piece of community infrastructure that we could have around, apart from the fire brigade."
The station was temporarily taken offline on Thursday while crime scene officers examined the scene, preventing crews from responding to incidents.
Timmering CFA members Austin Glass, captain Michael Mckinlay with his son Bodhi, secretary Zoe Mckinlay, third lieutenant Rick Wilcock and first lieutenant Grant Shawcross in happier times.
"We can't go out and help our community," Mr Mckinlay said.
"If you get a bad day and a bad job, it's minutes sometimes.
"If you rock up and your shed's missing bits and pieces and equipment that you need, it adds minutes until the next truck turns up."
Mr Mckinlay said the thefts were especially painful because many of the brigade's resources were bought through community fundraising.
"We work really hard for the little fundraising we do, and we try to make the funds we have go as far as possible," he said.
"The two times I've driven up now, your heart sinks.
"You're like, 'What am I going to have to deal with now? What now?'"
Timmering Fire Station has been burgled twice in four months.
Police investigations are continuing.
Mr Mckinlay said he feared isolated volunteer stations were being deliberately targeted.
"It looks like someone's having a go at picking off the easy targets in the middle of nowhere," he said.
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