Jackson Barnett continued his fine season with four wickets after another fast start with the ball from the Flames.
Barnett dealt two massive blows after Echuca skipper Taylor Beard opted to bat, sending the dangerous Curtis Townrow packing in the second over for two runs
Brendan Moyle followed two overs later, and a disastrous Charlie Hinks run-out left Echuca reeling at 3-16.
With Matt Hinks and Beard at the crease however, Echuca managed to dig itself out of the early-innings danger.
Hinks and Beard shared an 82-run partnership, with the skipper raising the bat for a 54-run half-century, his fifth of the season to go with last week’s ton against Moama.
Beard has now passed the 500-run mark for the season, averaging 74.71.
Scott Morris broke the partnership with the crucial wicket of Beard, and Barnett’s third wicket — Rory Carlile — saw Echuca slump to 5-108.
Barnett’s fourth and final wicket was another important one, sending Matt Hinks packing for 42.
Adam Jones (20) and Nick Dolan (28 not out) helped Echuca recover from 5-108 to 175, with a final-wicket partnership of 36 between Dolan and Rylea Jones.
With six overs to navigate, Fire Brigade openers Daniel Kent (three) and Miller Griffiths (eight) guided Kyabram to 13 runs for no loss.
But while Fire Brigade is in a strong position in the crucial match-up, results elsewhere haven’t gone in its favour.
Needing a win and for either BLU or Moama to lose, both rivals have the upper hand in their contests.
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