Leeton Rural Fire Services (RFS) volunteers were among those who dropped their responsibilities at home to help fight fires in the Snowy Valleys recently.
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The RFS MIA Zone sent a strike team of Cat 9 and Cat 7s to the fires towards the end of January.
The crew was made up of:
- John Payne, strike team leader (Widgelli brigade).
- Ian Thompson, Michelle Farrell, Hayden Dunn and Pat O’Callaghan (Yanco brigade).
- Christine Chirgwin, Sam Breed, Michael Breed, John Smith and Tom Breed (Coleambally brigade).
- Rob Davies (Paynters Siding, Narrandera).
Mr Payne said the crew was mainly focused on the Possum District fire.
“We were responsible for putting in a back burn along a trail and shoring up some of the containment lines,” he said.
“It was pretty hard work.
“It’s very steep country there, so a bit different to what we are used to here.”
The crew from the MIA was on the scene for three days before being relieved by others.
Mr Payne said the RFS was often called on to help fight fires throughout the country.
“We’ve been all over,” he said.
“It would be the same if we ever needed crews to come here.
“Everyone works together.”
The RFS is always looking for volunteers to help its many brigades in the MIA zone.
With varying roles and training available, there’s a spot for most people of any ability.
For more information visit https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/volunteer/volunteering-with-the-rfs.
