Heroes on the fiery frontlines
FIREFIGHTERS from across Greater Geelong are working as part of the heroic efforts to protect homes and livestock as blazes continue to burn across the state’s southwest.
A CFA spokeswoman said 325 volunteers and 25 fire vehicles from the region had been dispatched to fire grounds between Terang and Scotts Creek as part of strike and relief teams.
Ocean Grove CFA secretary Noel Grant left as part of one of the strike teams at about 11.30pm on Saturday. When his team had finished at the fire ground, it was daylight.
“It’s about trust. You’ve got to trust each other when you’re in among the flames,” Mr Grant said.
“When we went on to a farm it was very hilly and very dark with no streetlights — all you could see was fire.
“We went up to the top of a hill with five trucks in that strike team with large trees burning and embers flying for 20 to 30m ahead. It was daylight when we came out.”
Barwon Heads CFA’s Libby Burnett and her husband Pete were also among the first responders.
She said the mateship in their team had shone through during the challenging time.
“The strength of all working together as a team, that really comes through so strongly in these situations,” she said.
“You talk about CFA members being your family and they really are; you support each other, both volunteers and professionals, because that’s the essence of the CFA, you just put your hand up.
“It’s important for communities to know others will come to their aid because in your lifetime you might need it too.”
A dozen members from Bannockburn also joined the fight as night fell on Saturday.
Dale Smith and his Bannockburn colleagues spent much of the evening near Cobden as the fire engulfed homes.
They returned the following day to continue helping secure the area.
“The fire was extensive and the substantial losses are always challenging to see,” he said. “It’s hard slog but the fire had the potential to get away unless blacking out is subsequently done to make the fire ground safe.”
Barrabool Captain Noel Larcombe said he was so proud of those involved in all factions of the CFA.
“It’s a very big dairy industry down all through that area so it’s been devastating for us to see,” he said. “To watch the stock loss and people’s homes go is terrible.
“I’m so proud off all the efforts.”
Les Vering, from the Colac Incident Control Centre, said more than 200 firefighters, 70 vehicles and six aircraft were continuing to try to contain the fires.
He said mild conditions had assisted firefighters, with about 6700 hectares lost in the Terang fire, 200ha in the GnotukCamperdown blaze, and 4000ha at Garvoc at last check.
“The fires are not expanding, however, there is potential for breakouts under higher winds,” he said.
“The Princes Highway has now reopened, however, we remind everyone that many local roads remain closed and to check traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au for further information.
Trains are expected to remain off the tracks for the rest of the week while V/Line assesses track damage between Colac and Warrnambool.
To access up-to-date information and warnings, visit emergency.vic.gov.au. For relief and recovery information, including hardship payments, visit emergency.vic.gov.au/relief.