Today, the brigade will celebrate their 75th anniversary, and remember some of the milestones that have marked their long history.

At 76 years old Clinton Bawden is the oldest member of the brigade, while 18-year-old Dominic Grabham is the youngest, and they say they represent the wide range of ages and people involved in the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS).

Mr Grabham is a third generation member of the Eglinton RFB, his father Andrew and grandfather Vincent are also members, along with his uncle Adrian. 

“I joined the cadet program when I was in Year 10 at school, that was three years ago,” he said.

With a family full of firefighters, Mr Grabham said the advice is often simple, but always to the point.

“The family advice it to shut up and do what you’re told,” he said.

“The first thing is you put on your yellow pants and get everything else on in the truck [when there is a fire call].”

Despite all the training, Mr Grabham said nothing prepares you for your first forest fire.

“My first major fire was at the State Mine fire [near Lithgow] last year ... no amount of war stories can prepare you for the ferocity of a forest fire,” he said.

A member for more than 30 years, Mr Bawden said he first found a love for firefighting through his father who was involved with the Forestry Corporation.

“I didn’t continue on with sport after I left school, I suppose I just had a love for it [firefighting] since I was a young kid,” he said.

Mr Bawden said the RFS is very welcoming and attracts members from all walks of life – professionals, tradies and students. 

Eglinton RFB captain Garry Bennett said the brigade’s 34 members will come together today to celebrate the symbolic 75th birthday.

Eglinton RFB members have attended huge local blazes including Kelso High School fire, Billywillinga fire and further afield at the Central Coast, Coonabarabran and the Blue Mountains.