Today will be a very hard day for many people, still deeply saddened or traumatised by the devastation of Black Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Most of us can still remember the shock at seeing reports of out-of-control bushfires claiming so many lives and homes back in February 2009.
As we look back with sorrow 10 years on, it remains a horrible event that those involved will never forget.
The stories of friends, families, neighbours and even complete strangers reaching out in support could easily bring you to tears.
The compassion shown towards other people, their properties and the animals caught up in this tragedy was one of the most heartwarming stories to emerge in this country from such a terrible circumstance.
It is unlike Wagga residents to sit back amidst a crisis and there were numerous firefighters from the region who went to assist to battle the fires.
Wagga residents were among those who were injured in the line of duty.
And it wasn’t just the firefighters who played a crucial role in recovery of the affected areas.
Sometimes it can be the small things that make a big difference, and country areas know how to offer comfort better than most.
A smiling face and the offer of sandwiches and cake can go a long way to help in the moment.
But long term, we know the impact of those fires have been life changing.
We should be thankful there were no strong winds during the region’s record heatwave in January, or we may have been facing that same threat again.
We’ve seen all too often how hot weather and an unfortunate event can start a blaze that can become out of control within minutes.
Any summer we escape without an incident such as the one we witnessed a decade ago is a lucky summer.
Firefighters work tirelessly year-round to fight the city’s fires.
But it takes a catastrophic event such as the Black Saturday fires to truly appreciate their skills, effort, determination and passion.