December 2011
No bush fire activity this month, with the weather generally staying a bit damper.
However, we are starting to see some very hot days here and there which will probably be the pattern this summer, so it’s important that you still think of your fire plans and ensure that all fire equipment is ready to go on short notice. And a reminder (see last month’s Voice): there is lots of grass and new growth throughout the state. Once it dries, we are highly likely to experience grass fires – more dangerous than a bush fire as they are very fast moving and can easily block off escape routes.
So, the message is: be prepared.
We will be well into summer before the next Voice comes out so be prepared and hopefully we will only see you socially over the Christmas period.
Members and donors, don’t forget about the Christmas party: 11 December.
Hope to see you there.
October call-outs
Unfortunately the brigade has been called to two house fires in the last 2 weeks.
1st call-out was to a house in Bellawongarah around 11.30 am that had a fire in a downstairs room, caused by a refrigerator. The valley brigade attended with a good crew response and assisted Beaumont brigade with extinguishing and cleaning up this fire that fortunately did not cause too much damage.
2nd call-out came at 1.30 am in the morning to a house alight in Brown's Mountain, Cambewarra and we were to assist Cambewarra, and several other brigades, in controlling this fire.
Unfortunately the house was well alight and suffered extensive damage. The three crew who attended used the CABA gear (breathing apparatus) that we carry on our trucks to enter the building and attack the fire and were also tasked to supply water to the RFS pumper on scene. Without this equipment the heat and toxic smoke from a house fire would mean that you can only attack the fire from outside the building and is likely that the building will suffer greater damage from fire and water and much greater risk to the firies of smoke inhalation.
After a long night we made it back to station at 6.30 am, in time to go to work.
Last Sunday, two crews from the Valley conducted a radio blackspot survey throughout the Valley to identify any problem areas where we have trouble getting radio reception.
This was bought about as we are changing to a new GRN radio network, which should give us greater coverage and help to overcome some safety issues once it is fully operational.
The RFS will work with Optus to extend the signal into these problem areas, and enable us to position a mobile repeater in the event of a large fire to assist with radio communication.
Thanks to the crews who gave up their time to assist with this and also respond to call-outs this month.
Guide to action: December–January
You don't want to work too hard in the festive season, but fire safety's important. So...
1 While you're watering the garden or cleaning out the shed for a visit from the rellos, why not check the fire pump and hoses are in good order?
2 Clean out your gutters...and get a tan at the same time
3 Take a moment to admire the glow of your Christmas tree lights and candles, then turn them off/blow them out before bed
4 Gather the family to go through your Bushfire Survival Plan...and finish up with some carols
5 Hold a BBQ to burn up some bushfire fuel -- guests earn their meal by gathering sticks (Check the fire danger rating before you light it up)
From the RFS website: “With recent drought-breaking rains resulting in significant grass growth, communities across NSW are facing a difficult fire season… Grass fires can be especially dangerous because they can start quickly and spread rapidly, catching people off-guard.They can…produce large amounts of heat which can kill anyone caught out in the open.” The NSW Rural Fire Service urge people to be aware and well prepared.
So, what can you do?
News
Some of you may have noticed that the fire station is getting a coat of paint to refresh it, as it was starting to look a bit tired.
Bit of a new color to brighten it up. Please feel free at any time to call in and make yourself known when the doors are open.
As this is the last report for the year I would like to pass on a big thanks for the men and women who make up our brigade and make themselves available throughout the year to train and respond to fires.
As you can see from this month, fires can happen at all hours and we need a large group of people to call on to ensure that we can get a crew at any time of day and night.
If ever you have considered joining or wondered what is involved we would be very pleased to see you and discuss.
Also a big thank you to our members’ partners, who put up with them racing off at often the most inconvenient times and also to our generous donors: through your assistance we are able to run and maintain our brigade and purchase additional equipment as required.
We have just ordered a new UHF radio and 20 new helmets with face shields, at a cost of $250 each, with these donated funds.
This is a great safety feature and reduces heat and smoke impact during a fire but unfortunately they’re not provided to us as standard issue. Pictures next article.
Training Every Wednesday from 6.00 PM at the fire station
Maintenance Sundays, 9.00 AM to 10.00 AM at the fire station
Info Contact Dave (Dusty) Smart on 0427 651718 if you’d like to know more about the brigade and its activities.