Bowen Fire Station’s Hard-Fought-For ATV Stolen And Destroyed

Just weeks before the start of bushfire season, the Bowen Delta Rural Fire Brigade has been left without a vital firefighting vehicle after thieves broke into the station overnight, stole the self-funded ATV buggy and left it in ruins. ‍ It was meant to be business as usual for volunteers at the Bowen Delta Rural Fire Brigade on Friday 17th July, until they arrived to find their station had been broken into and one of their most valuable firefighting tools stolen. ‍ Sometime between 10pm and 2.30am, offenders had forced their way into the station, broken open a secure key safe containing the brigade's vehicle keys and stole the ATV. Police later located the ATV near the Bowen River, after volunteers raised the alarm. By then, its wheels had been removed, the spotlights cut off and an apparent attempt had been made to burn the vehicle. ‍ “It is absolutely despicable,” said Member of Burdekin Dale Last. “Make no mistake, this brazen offending is an absolute slap in the face to every volunteer in this rural fire brigade, who put their life on the line to protect our residents. ‍ “I would expect our justice system to hold those offenders to account in accordance with community expectations.” ‍ Before it was Stolen. Photo supplied: Bowen Delta Rural Fire Brigade ‍ The break-in also forced volunteers away from their normal duties, with members spending the day guarding the station while police examined the scene and repairs were arranged to secure the damaged building. ‍ "We've had members sit here all day just manning the sheds because we can't lock up the shed at the moment, due to them smashing the door in and lifting the roller door up,” said a Bowen Fire Brigade Spokesperson. ‍ The ATV has become an essential part of protecting Bowen, allowing volunteers to reach fires in areas where larger fire trucks simply cannot go, including along the town's sandy riverbed and other difficult terrain. ‍ “Well, we're not going to have one for a while now, so it's going to be missed,” said the Bowen Fire Brigade spokesman. ‍ Replacing the ATV won't be a simple task. The specialised firefighting buggy was originally purchased through fundraising by brigade members and the local community, rather than being government funded, and was one of the first owned by a rural fire brigade in the region. ‍ With bushfire season approaching, its loss will be felt across the community until it can be repaired or replaced, leaving firefighters without one of their most effective tools for tackling fires in hard-to-reach locations. "Our members worked hard to fundraise for this ATV in their own time,” said the Bowen Fire Brigade Spokesperson. ‍ "Especially for our community too, that's the sad thing there. ‍ “They're missing out on something that could potentially save a life or property."