FOURTH HILL


Lat / Long GDA -37.745735, 145.218783 (approx)
Department CFA - FCV
Work Depot Warrandyte
Region Port Phillip East
Grading ?
Elevation (ASL) 130m
Height Original - ??m
Second - 14m
Construction Steel
Cabin size ?m x ?m
Public access to site Yes
In use since Original tower 1946 - 1961
Second tower 1961 - 1977?
CFA Region 13 - Central
Alan Smith photographed during the building of the new tower in 1961.

2019 post:
All information and photos were taken from the Warrandyte Historical Society FaceBook page, supplied via Pete Curry
With the assistance of the Forests Commission, the first fire spotting tower was erected by the Warrandyte Brigade on top of Fourth Hill. It consisted of a windmill stand, donated by Mr. Laver, and had a sheet metal cabin and later roof built by Alex Edwards. The tower was manned by Alan Smith who was paid by the Forests Commission. The tower was linked by a direct land line to the radio base, first at Riverview Garage, and later to the Fire Station. The original tower was damaged during the construction of the Warrandyte Water Trust Dam, and a new tower 14 metres high was erected. The new tower was built by the brigade with Trevor Pike carrying out the welding; Alan Smith, Bill Hussey and Bruce Bence prefabricated the wooden cabin before bolting it together on site. The view while nailing the iron on the roof was superb. Extract from ‘FIRE - The Story of a Community’s Fight Against Fire’ book by Bruce Bence.

2015 post:
The new fire spotting tower was completed for the 1961-62 bush fire season. Alan Smith manned the brigade owned tower which stood on top of Fourth Hill for 16 years. The tower was so badly damaged in 1978 it was removed by the State Park Authorities. Thanks Matthew Flahavin for photograph.

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