Preolenna applied for registration as a Rural Fire Brigade on March 17, 1969, and was registered shortly after. History records that a major bush fire raged in the area for 10 days in February, 1939. [See interview transcript: Mrs Cox]

The Brigade Captain at that time was Cliff Morse, and the Brigade strength was 13. Cliff remained Captain until 1973. Deputy Captain was Eric Morse and the members listed on the application for registration were: L. Ramskill, R. Diprose, D. Jago, A. Tuck, D. Hunt, D. Byard, R. Humble, B. Fletcher, C. Whiley, G. Donaldson, C. Reeve.

From 1973 Charlie Reeve took over the reins as Brigade Captain until 1987, and continued with the Brigade as a member until his death.

Michael Burn became Brigade Captain in September 1987 after joining the brigade in 1980. Prior to his joining Preolenna, Michael had been a member of Gretna Rural Fire Brigade.

On 16th December, 1983, Preolenna applied to the Fire Service for a Tanker Trailer. This was received approximately 3 months later and stored in a shed on Charlie Reeve’s property.

The Fire Station is built on the northern end of the Community Centre. The cost of the new station was $12,000 and was officially opened by Fire Commissioner Jim Stewart on 8th December, 1989.

At December, 1989 the Preolenna Country Fire Brigade Membership was as follows:
Michael Burn [Captain]
Ralph Bourke [Deputy Captain]
Rob Humble [3rd Officer]
Alistair McNeill [4th Officer]
Greg Fenton [Secretary]

Members:
Ron Beswick
Stan Brett
Athol Byard
Frank Chiara
Bill De Vito
Lee Davis
Des Farrell
Laurie Favelle
Bill Freeman
Alwyne Hills
Gary Hite
E. Humble
Leon Jowett
Dale Kinch
Arthur Lowe
Loxton McCulloch
Peter Martin
Cliff Morse
Jeffrey Parry
John Talty

A fire truck was brought into service in 1990 and replaced in 2000.

Recent Fire Captains have been
Ralph Bourke
Bill Freeman and
Alan Hird from May, 1999

[This short history was compiled from the souvenir programme of the Official Opening of the Preolenna Fire Station, 8th December, 1989.]