Too close for comfort

[big_dav_2001]

Several fires are currently burning in and around my local area, and are getting WAY too close for comfort...

We've just been alerted of a "Watch and act" status for a fire which seems to be getting closer and closer. Heli bombers have been draining a local dam a few times.

MASSIVE thanks to the RFS guys and girls, you guys do a great job, and good luck getting them all under control.

Dav

[big_dav_2001]

For some reason, I can't attach more than one photo at a time from my IPhone

[GeoffW1]

Dav,

Best of good fortune, hope it turns out OK.

Cheers

[Regulus]

Very scary mate and I hope you and yours come through it safely.

Trevor

[mithrandir]

This is what it looked like from 10Km east of you Dave.

[big_dav_2001]

Thanks a lot guys, we were just told that the closest one to us (Being reported as Marsden Park, but actually closer to Schofields) is now being controlled, and roads are re-opening as as others are being brought under control.

Again, huge thanks to the local RFS, and thanks for your kind thoughts... Hope nobody else was affected by them either.

Dav
(Attached pic was taken by a friend from Grose Vale. Credit to Jas from Just Photography)

[jjjnettie]

:( Stay safe.

[ourkind]

Excellent news Davin! Thats a good sign, I'm also on standby for Bowen Mountain and the Crago Observatory that belongs to the ASNSW in the event that the fire turns towards the mountain.

[multiweb]

When I saw the hot wind yesterday arvo I had a feeling some d|ckhead would light something. This stuff infuriates me to no end. They need to change the law and turn them in life sentences and make harsh examples for the rest of those cowards/wackos whatever they are. Zero tolerance. I was reading an article this morning about this young bloke volunteer fire fighter who got his 18 months sentence reduced to 12 and now out on bail. He was lighting many fires in the Bringelly/Austral area. He's confessed and went crying in his nona's kitchen one night so that makes it all ok now in the eyes of the judge. He's sorry... What a bloody joke.

[big_dav_2001]

Absolutely agree Marc, the punishments should be a lot harsher for the fools who think it's funny to start these burns.

It's strange though, how often the arsonists are actually associated with the RFS. A few years ago, my Mother's next-door neighbour was convicted of arson after starting fires around the Illawarra area. The whole family had been part of the Volunteer Fire Brigade for years. I just don't understand what would make then want to start fires after seeing they devastation they can cause. From memory, the guy only got about 6 months prison, nowhere near long enough.

Davin

[multiweb]

I have a few mates who are firies. They don't get it either. I mean when you experience things first hand you don't want to be in the middle of it again. Boredom, stupidity... I don't know. I reckon their families must be as stumped as we are. The issue is too leniant sentences. Maybe then they would think twice. I don't know anymore. Had the same problem back home in south of France. Every summer. Like clock work. Idiots on the lose. Seems to be a global epidemy. The attention seeking with the media coverage on telly. Twisted individuals for sure. The bottom line still stands. Loss of lives, properties. It's terrible. So apply sentences accordingly. Like they do with drink driving overseas now. Go directly to jail, do not pass Go, do not collect $200. Done.

[LewisM]

Haven't seen Steve Brennan post in for a while - hope he's OK up at Winmallee.

[Ric]

Hi Davin

With over 70,000 members making up the RFS thankfully the number of association is a miniscule percentage. It's just the media will jump onto this type of news and really run with it.

All RFS members have to undergo a police check when joining and undergoing their training. One of the main checks is for any convictions for arson and related crimes.

Personally I find it very embarassing when I hear of fellow members involved in this type of activity.

[mithrandir]

The police often go through video from fires looking for people who appear at multiple locations. They become suspects.

[big_dav_2001]

Hi Ric,

Apologies if any offense was taken at all, I didn't mean to make generalizations about the RFS. I know the vast majority of members are dedicated to preventing fires and saving lives and homes, and I'm sure just as many fires (if not the majority) are started by people who haven't volunteered and have no idea of the damage they can cause.

Thanks again to you and your fellow firies, you guys do a great job:thanx:

Davin

[Ric]

Hi Davin, no offence was taken mate.

I agree that it's an unfortunate part of life that there will always be some bad apples in the barrel.

I'm just glad that you, your family and your property all came out safely.

Cheers :)

[mithrandir]

We took our dog out to the kennels at Marsden Park yesterday. Lucky people on Garfield Road. Bush burnt out up to their fences - in several cases on three sides.