Yeodene Member Marks First Strike Team Deployment

Mirage News

Mirage News

Yeodene Member Marks First Strike Team Deployment

Yeodene member, Christine Spencer

When the Skipton-Streatham fire broke out on 9 January 2026, Yeodene Fire Brigade member Christine Spencer was deployed to the fireground on her very first strike team to assist.

While being deployed for the first time can be daunting, Christine credits the training and support received from her brigade for giving her the confidence to put her hand up.

"I was nervous about giving it a go, but I'm really glad I stepped outside my comfort zone and did it," Christine said.

An experienced and encouraging crew accompanied Christine, with a few familiar faces also on board, including her father Mike Spencer who is Captain of the Yeodene Fire Brigade and her uncle Mick Connor who is the training officer.

"I felt supported from the moment we were deployed," Christine said.

"Being out there with such a capable crew made all the difference.

Christine worked on the Skipton-Streatham fires until midnight before returning home for some rest. The next day she was back on the tanker responding to a local fire in Gellibrand before heading out on another strike team to Carlisle River later that evening.

While the day was long and challenging, Christine said the experience left her with a deep sense of pride.

"It was incredible seeing tankers arrive from everywhere, with different names and crews all working together to protect the land," Christine said.

Later in January, fires in the Great Otway National Park had spread and Christine along with other members of her brigade were deployed to the fire complex and joined the strike team in Kawarren as the last line of defence for unprotected properties along Fryers Road in an already evacuated area.

"That's what we do at CFA. We don't just protect our own patch, we protect everyone's.

"To be a part of a team effort like that, where everyone rallied together as one to fight the fires was a surreal feeling.

"Knowing we were able to make a real difference is something I will never forget."

Not only were Christine and her father working to protect the community, they were also concerned for the safety of their own home and family - a worrying thought that crossed many firefighters this season statewide.

"It was incredible to see the help transferred back to our area from brigades all over."

Christine said her first strike team experience has boosted her confidence in her firefighting abilities and she encourages other members to speak with their Captain about the opportunity.

"I have learnt so much out on the fireground and it's really built my confidence in my own abilities, not just for future strike teams but for local fires too."

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