Thanks and praise to CFA

While they can sometimes be unheralded, the efforts of Country Fire Authority firefighters and brigades in our region and across the state should regularly be acknowledged.

Their skills and quick responses to emergencies are crucial in minimising harm to members of our community and, in some cases, limiting damage or preventing it altogether.

An example of their fine work is told in a personal story in today’s edition of The News, where Undera man Brad Avery describes how, last Friday, a single spark started a grassfire that threatened the home he is building for his family.

The blaze, a freak accident with the spark started from an angle grinder, could have resulted in a disaster for Mr Avery and his family as construction continued on the new home.

It took only 10 minutes for the fire to spread and cover much of the grassland surrounding the house.

Mr Avery had already completed $70 000 worth of building on the new home.

It will be where he, wife Megan, father-in-law Peter, son Chase, daughter Abella and a new baby boy, who is due next month, will live.

A CFA unit from Undera was the first to arrive on the scene, followed by a helicopter and more reinforcements — bringing the blaze under control within about 20 minutes.

Mr Avery is glowing in his praise for the work of firefighters in containing the fire and ensuring there was not devastation for him and his family.

The work of all CFA members, many of them volunteers, should not be underestimated.

On call at all hours, they have to be ready for action in the event of emergencies, regardless of what time of day they occur.

Their job is dangerous, and in some instances they are putting their own safety on the line to try and keep others safe.

It is stories like the one involving Mr Avery that highlight just how much of a debt the community owes them for the great work that they do.