Firey Tales
Things remain quiet for the brigade with call outs. However, it has been a busy few months with members completing a number of advanced training courses. This has involved many other members of the brigade mentoring newer members with training focusing on refamiliarisation with equipment and skills.
We will soon be looking to provide dates for Basic Firefighter (BF) training courses early next year, so if you have ever considered joining the RFS, now is the time to register your interest and complete the application online at https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/volunteer/join-the-nsw-rfs. I am always happy to have a chat to new interested members, so call by the station on a Wednesday evening around 6pm or call me on 0412 865 638.
Local landholders continue to be very responsible in obtaining their fire permits by registering the details online. This is helping immensely to cut down our calls to burn offs that are reported to 000, which we then have to attend unnecessarily.
The brigade would like to thank the KV community for their continued support’ particularly those who have donated financially throughout the year. These funds allow us to upgrade our equipment and gain access to services essential to our members.
Dusty Smart
Community engagement
The brigade has been active in the community over the past few weeks with training nights and assisting landholders with pile burns. This is a great way to boost skills and to assist property owners.
The brigade will be assisting with the Christmas Santa Claus run at the Friendly Inn and the New Years Eve Fireworks.
Incident callouts
Ambulance Assist
A crew of 4 responded to a request to assist NSW Ambulance Rescue on a property near the top of Cambewarra Mountain. A man clearing bush on a steep slope had fallen several metres and injured his leg. The ambulance crew set up a recovery system for the stretcher and with help from the KV Brigade crew carried the man to level ground, where he could be attended to before being transported to hospital.
Motor Vehicle Accident
The brigade was paged to a Motor Vehicle Accident on Barrengarry Mountain. On arrival a utility vehicle crashed through the armcor rail and left the road approx 20 metres down a steep embankment. Assistance was provided to NSW police. The driver had minor cuts and bruises and was assessed by NSW Ambulance at the scene.
Brigade activities
One of the strengths of the RFS is its ability to assist in a variety of situations. This gives members a breadth of experience as well as building relationships with other Services and Districts.
Recent events have seen our members assisting the DPI with infected beehives, the SES with flood recovery work and providing training in the Goulburn Mulwarree District.
Unfortunately, the recent poor weather and demands on local brigades also saw the cancellation of our District exercises; however, it is hoped they can be rescheduled for the New Year.
Fire Permits are required during the Bush Fire Danger Period
The Bush Fire Danger Period starts in the Shoalhaven on 1 September each year and continues through until the 31 March the following year.
A Fire Permit is required during the Bush Fire Danger Period in Rural Fire Districts if you are burning standing or stacked/piled vegetation, destroying an animal carcass, garden or orchard prunings, or another agricultural purpose (stubble or paddock burns). Fire Permits help ensure fire is used safely and minimise the danger to you, your property and the community.
Applying for a Fire Permit in Rural Fire District
1. Contact your local Rural Fire Service Permit Officer. Please leave a message if no answer for a return call:
- Gary Matthews 0418 425 338
- Neil Breeze 0439 065 128
- Jaxon Boyle 0457 424 209
- Jamie Salkeld 0412 424 069
- Dave Alexander 0400 022 405
- Dusty Smart 0412 865 638
- Group Email address: kangaroovalleyrfb@gmail.com.
2. Arrange a time for the Permit Issuing Officer to attend your property to issue a permit for up to 21 Days.
3. Once the permit has been issued, you must notify the NSW RFS and adjoining neighbours at least 24 hours prior to the fire being lit.
Ways to notify the NSW RFS
- ONLINE: Online at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify, or
- QR CODE: Scan this QR Code & enter Permit #/Details, or
- PHONE: Shoalhaven FCC if unable to notify online or QR.
The key things to remember
There is no cost in obtaining a Fire Permit, but you need to plan ahead as it may not be possible for a Permit Issuing Officer to inspect and/or issue your permit immediately.
There are heavy penalties if you don’t follow restrictions or rules.
Display a roadside number to identify your property.
Arrange property access down driveways and through gateways. Our Category 1 truck requires 3.5m wide x 4m high x 8m long and a turning circle of approx. 17.5m.
At least one RESPONSIBLE person must be on site at the property location to monitor the fire until extinguished.
Contributions from Jamie Salkeld, Steve Bell and Neil Breeze
Compiled and edited by Tracey Basman
