Captain’s message
This last month has seen the brigade attend a wide variety of incidents that highlight the variety of our role in the community. Many thanks to those members who regularly turn up and lend assistance to others. The ongoing training we provide helps us with the skills to adapt as required to the unknown. These incidents have ranged from car accidents, assisting ambulance with a base jumper stuck in a tree, vehicle fires, providing primary first aid care, electric wires arcing and oil spills.
We are looking for more of our capable KV men and women to join our ranks, and if you are looking for some additional skills, and at times excitement perhaps, you should consider joining up to give back to the community in a different way. Often, we hear “I am too busy” or “When the kids leave school” etc. Once you have done your initial training you only have to attend what call-outs you can and keep up with some ongoing training.
Complete the application online at https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/volunteer/join-the-nsw-rfs, and I am always happy to have a chat to new interested members. Call by the station on a Wednesday evening around 6pm or call me on 0412 865 638.
Dusty Smart
Incident callouts
5th April – The Brigade responded to an MVA on Moss Vale Road near Walkers Lane. Members assisted NSW Police and Ambulance with a collision between a motorcycle and a motor vehicle. The motorcyclist was transferred to hospital by the Toll Ambulance Helicopter and is recovering.
4th April – Pile Burn Firecall – Glenmack Caravan Park
The Brigade responded to reports of an escaped pile burn. No fire was found, and the brigade returned to station.
1st April – Vehicle on Fire Tallowa Dam Road
The Brigade responded to reports of an MVA / Vehicle fire. The vehicle was seen by ADF (Australian Defence Force) personnel whilst training and called in to 000.
Kangaroo Valley 1 and 7 Alpha were travelling along Tallowa Dam Road and came across an injured motorist some distance away from the vehicle. The crew on 7 Alpha remained with the injured person and Valley 1 continued to find a vehicle fully involved with fire. Members donned CABA gear and extinguished the fire. Thanks to West Nowra crews who travelled to the Valley to assist.
22nd March – Ambulance Assist Base Jumper tree entanglement at Mannings Lookout Walking track.
The Brigade responded to an Assist Ambulance call-out to Barrengarry. After some confusion as to the actual location of the incident, the ambulance crews were found at the very top of Kelvin Road below the Mannings lookout. A parachutist had jumped from the lookout and become entangled in a tree some distance from the ground. Members assisted NSW Ambulance and Police with the recovery efforts. After a lengthy and complicated extraction, the parachutist was taken to hospital with no major injuries.
13th April – Wires down Brooks Lane.
15th April – Vehicle Fire Green Valley Road.
The Brigade responded and upon arrival found the owner of the car had extinguished the fire and removed the hazard. The crew checked the vehicle and the occupants were safe before leaving the scene.
Pile burns and burning off
The Fire Permit season finished on the 31 March, and runs until the 01 September 2023; however, there is a process that still needs to be adhered to prior to burning off:
- You must notify the NSW RFS at least 24 Hours before you light the fire. (See below)
- You must advise your immediate neighbours at least 24 hours before you light the fire.
- You must not light the fire if a Fire Danger Rating is VERY HIGH or above
- At least one responsible person must be present from the time the fire is lit until it is extinguished.
- Check the upcoming weather conditions as the pile may continue to smoulder for several days.
- If you believe that you cannot safely control the fire once it has been lit, dial 000.
Ways to notify the NSW RFS:
- ONLINE: Online at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify, or use the QR code in this article.
- PHONE: Shoalhaven FCC 4424 4424 between 9am and 3pm Monday to Friday.
If you have concerns about doing this yourself, please contact the KV fire brigade and we can possibly assist you with your pile burn during a training session or check your site for you.
Contributions by Jamie Salkeld
Compiled by Tracey Basman