Neighbours to the rescue
Fire threat family says thank you
A DRYSDALE family has relived the trauma of a fire threat to their home to thank authorities and neighbours who came to their aid.
Baie wines co-owner Nadine Kuc was working inside with her two children on Tuesday when strong winds blew flames towards them.
“The kids and I put our shoes on and grabbed what we thought was important. It was quite amazing then — all these cars and trucks started turning up … farmers with their tractors and utes with water tanks on the back,” she said.
“Everyone just came so quickly, asking what we needed, including a man from a landscaping company we didn’t even know.
“Other neighbours were calling us and each other to say they were all evacuating, all checking on each other. The community response was just incredible.”
Mrs Kuc praised the community spirit, as well as the hard work of fire crews. She said it was situation no family ever wanted to have to face.
“Thank you from the bot- tom of our hearts to the CFA, Drysdale CFA and the neighbours, farmers, friends and family who were on our doorstep at home in Drysdale in minutes to help fight the fire, move machinery and livestock and just stay with us while we waited to see the damage,” she said.
“Weather conditions and hard work all meant our home and animals are all safe.”
The grass and scrub fire burned between 60 and 70 hectares after igniting alongside Swan Bay Rd, near the Bellarine tourist railway and rail trail. Arson is suspected. Fire crews returned to the scene of the Mannerim fire yesterday to ensure no areas reignited.
Anyone with information on the fire is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.