DetailsThe Hornsby Heights Bush Fire Brigade came from humble beginnings in 1965 with no equipment, station, or tanker. Foundation member Roger Bromwich donated a Hillman Minx Sedan, and the boot lid and rear seats were removed to hold firefighting equipment.
Twelve months later, the brigade inherited a 1942 Chevrolet Blitz from Arcadia Brigade, and following restorative work, it became the brigade’s first tanker for the fire season in 1966-67. Originally christened ‘Puff the Magic Waggon’ (sic), it was renamed ‘Puff the Tragic Waggon’ after being overtaken by a cyclist up a hill on the Pacific Highway.
When ‘Puff the Tragic Waggon’ was retired from service, a farmer from Mudgee bought Puff and several old tankers from Hornsby Shire Council to use as farm vehicles. Puff then spent a couple of decades working the land until 2000, when a group from the Hornsby Heights brigade searched farming properties in the Mudgee area for its whereabouts. Puff was found in pieces, scattered in three areas and was about to be buried in an erosion ditch. After negotiating with the farmer, the enthusiasts purchased Puff for $200 and began the detailed restoration work. Puff was finally fully restored after eight dedicated years by volunteers with financial support from Hornsby Shire Council, various clubs, and businesses.
These images show the state of disrepair 'Puff' was in when found on the farm in Mudgee.Date taken2000LocationMudgeeKeywordsHornsby HeightsBush Fire BrigadeTrucks
About the original
FormatDigital image only heldSourceHornsby Heights RFS
