Welcome to the Westville Fire Fighters Association

The Westville Volunteer or Retained Fire Service had its humble beginnings back in 1979, after a number of significant fires which effected properties in Westville. Most notable of those was the Ridl house fire and the first Westville Country Club Fire.

Response from the other Councils Fire Departments would only be with the intervention of the Mayor who would have to guarantee payment for services rendered. With the Country Club having been all but gutted as a result of the slow turnout, the Council thought it wise to start a service.

Initially, a very old Jeep was purchased from Ladysmith, which broke down a couple of times on the way here. The service was initially manned by Jimmy Wichstrom, a Westville resident and Fire Officer with the Railways, and a motley band of students in overalls. About a year later, a full time Fire Officer was appointed and a structured volunteer service based on the British model was put in place.

The service used Municipal employees during the day with the Volunteers manning it from 6 in the evening until 6 in the morning and all weekend. Volunteers comprised residents from all walks of life and duties were rotated over three and four week cycles, dependant on available manpower.

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