WHAT A SUMMER!
With NSW summer weather smashing records (or should we say burning records?) the Rural Fire Service has been on high alert. The weekend of February 10-12 saw the unprecedented call to place a TOTAL FIRE BAN across the entire state with 3 fire districts classified as CATASTROPHIC. By the end of the weekend there were 97 fires burning with 38 not yet contained. The property loss has still not been calculated.
With NSW summer weather smashing records (or should we say burning records?) the Rural Fire Service has been on high alert. The weekend of February 10-12 saw the unprecedented call to place a TOTAL FIRE BAN across the entire state with 3 fire districts classified as CATASTROPHIC. By the end of the weekend there were 97 fires burning with 38 not yet contained. The property loss has still not been calculated.
The Hills Brigades on Standby
Fortunately, the were no fires in The Hills Shire, however crews, including 17 members from Glenorie, were on standby at station ready to provide assistance to other shires or respond quickly to anything local. A Hills Strike Team (5 brigade tankers with a Group Officer) was activated to the Hunter Region to assist if needed.
Member fighting fires near Wauchope.
Fires in Lower Pappinbarra, near Wauchope, burnt over 800 hectares with several properties lost. One Glenorie brigade member Brian Rheinberger recently moved to a property in that area. He joined the local brigade which was very excited with the expertise and experience he brought with him. Brian was very busy with his new brigade actively fighting these fires, helping save many properties faced with a 20km firefront.
Our thoughts go out to all who have lost their homes, stock and property during these NSW fires. Thankfully the residents followed the instructions of the NSW Rural Fire Service and evacuated when requested, so no lives were lost. It is a stark reminder of how quickly fire can take hold and turn into an uncontrollable furnace. A reminder too of how important YOUR FIRE PLAN is. It is never too early to make a plan but sadly it can so quickly become too late. In the words of our NSW RFS Commissioner, Shane Fitzsimmons “A well prepared and engaged community is one of our greatest assets” and we hope that The Hills/Hornsby residents are as best prepared as you can be.
Fire Calls
In the last month we have had no calls to fires but have attended motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) and trees down. The extreme heat took its toll on trees falling and blocking Old Northern and Cairnes Roads. In 40 plus degrees it can be very hot and sometimes difficult work. Special thanks to the crane driver who offered his machine to remove the large stump of one tree off the road making that job a little easier.
The brigade works hard and as quickly as safety will allow to clear the road and get traffic moving. Thank you to all the drivers who are patient and helpful when we need to close a road (with police permission).
Autumn has arrived.
By the time this article goes to print Autumn will be here. Hopefully we can all breathe a sigh of relief and can get back to preparation for Fuel Management Page 2 of 2 burns which will once again be a high priority for the brigade.
Autumn Recruitment
It is also time for the Autumn intake of new recruits. If you have considered joining the brigade, now is the time. If you join now it may be possible for you to complete Bush Fire training in time for the next fire season.
For further information go to www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or contact the Brigade: Station Phone: 9652 2017 (leave a message and someone will get back to you) or talk to a real person, James: 0422 168 914. Visit the brigade stand at the Glenorie Growers Market, 4 th Sunday of the month in the grounds of Glenorie RSL. Facebook: Glenorie Rural Fire Brigade Email: [email protected]
