A MAJOR extension of the Mt Forbes Rural Fire Brigade station was officially opened, last week.

The $435,000 extension houses an incident control centre capable of accommodating 100 people, a training room, duty office, additional office space and kitchen.

Local MP, Jon Krause, officially opened the extension.

“The Mt Forbes Rural Fire Brigade contributes not only to its own community but supports rural fire operations across the Scenic Rim, Ipswich, Logan, Somerset and Lockyer Valley local government area,” he said.

Mr Krause envisaged the station being used as a local hub for co-ordination during large-scale incidents.

“In addition to responding to incidents, our rural firefighters commit countless hours to educating the community, undertaking training and hazard mitigation, and performing administrative tasks that support overall response efforts when they arise,” he said.

“Our rural fire brigades are a vital part of their communities and the LNP Government is proud to stand with them by ensuring they have the resources they need to keep Queenslanders safe.”

Rural Fire Service Queensland Chief Officer, Kaylene Jones, said the extraordinary work of rural fire brigade volunteers was built on the back of countless hours of training and administration.

“The new building will assist our 46 volunteers in the Mt Forbes brigade to perform their essential role, particularly as we approach bushfire season.”