Captains Message
Another busy and varied month for the brigade with a wide range of incidents that members have capably responded to and dealt with.
The brigade was tasked to three incidents this month, as well as two large agricultural burns and assistance with the Anzac Day parade, along with members involved in both receiving and delivering training to other brigades in chainsaw and advanced firefighter courses.
Crews had the opportunity to participate in two large agricultural burns, involving heavy fuel loads of dead cured grass areas. This provided great experience and training for fighting grass fires, which are much more dynamic and fast moving than bush fires. These areas ran into surrounding bush areas and on steep slopes, providing a few challenges. Midway through the second of these hazard reductions, we were also called to a lawnmower fire. We were able to split our crews and safely continue the burn as well as attend the incident.
Congratulations to our newest qualified basic firefighter, Hugh Morrison, who passed his final practical test and can now respond to incidents.
The brigade also held a social evening to celebrate International Women’s Week and celebrate the involvement of our very capable female firefighters and support crews, and to thank them for ongoing involvement. There is always room for more.
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, or call by the station on a Wednesday evening around 6pm, or call me on 0412 865 638.
Dusty Smart
Incidents for the month
1st – Tree down near Tallowa Dam. Two trucks attended with little found, as the tree had been removed by others.
2nd – Truck Fire on Barrengarry Mountain saw all three trucks respond to an unloaded flatbed truck. The cabin was fully involved in fire. The driver had pulled off the road when he noticed smoke before it burst into flames. Crews used CABA gear to safely access and extinguish the fire.
3rd – Ride-on mower overturned catching on fire and spreading into surrounding grass areas. Crews were already in attendance at a hazard reduction. One truck and crew were able to leave and attend this call in Upper Kangaroo River.
Pile Burns and Burning Off
The Fire Permit season finished on 31 March, and will recommence on 1 September 2023; however, there is a process that still needs to be adhered to prior to burning off in the off season:
- You must notify the NSW RFS at least 24 Hours before you light the fire.
Ways to notify the NSW RFS
ONLINE: Online at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify or via the QR code.
PHONE: Shoalhaven FCC 4424 4424 between 8am and 4pm Monday to Friday.
- 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 HIGH or above
- At least one responsible person must be present on site until it is extinguished.
- Check the upcoming weather conditions as the pile may continue to smoulder for days.
- If you believe that you cannot safely control the fire once it has been lit, dial 000.
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 or check your site for you.
Compiled by Tracey Basman