Well, are we lucky or not, on the News tonight were reports of fires in the Little Desert National Park, we would have been buggered for imaging or viewing if that had happened last week.
Of coarse i do hope that the damage was only to grass and bush, and no humans or wild life was lost or injured.
It in in bushland but is under control. We got a call-out for 7am tomorrow for it, so there has been no panic attached. Just a call for reinforcements to give the local CFA a break
Update from the CFA computer: Region: 17
Location: GRASS FLAT - LITTLE DESERT SALT LAKE TRACK
Date: 18/11/2007 Time: 21:12:00
Type: FOREST
Status: SAFE
Size: LARGE
Units: 11
and this one: Region:17
Location: LITTLE DESERT SALT LAKE TRK
Date: 18/11/2007 Time: 21:28:00
Type: GRASS
Status: GOING
Size: LARGE
Units: 8
WIMMERA FIRE DISTRICT
Victoria’s largest current fire began in the Little Desert National Park. The fire burnt up to the national park boundary, but has been contained without significant threat to private property.
Today, the Little Desert fire has burnt more than 7000 hectares of land. Fire fighters will continue containment work overnight.
As a result of strong north westerly winds, smoke from this fire is visible across the state. Residents as far away as Halls Gap may be experiencing smoky conditions.
Strange co-incidence!!! It was only a few days after Last November Snake Valley Camp that we had the Bushfire tear through here and actually surrounded the camp.
Wierd!
Last edited by ballaratdragons; 19-11-2007 at 01:31 AM.
Yes Ken I understand what you are saying, and hope, (don't take this personally) you are never needed, there are just to many fires these days, scary stuff.
Yes Ken I understand what you are saying, and hope, (don't take this personally) you are never needed, there are just to many fires these days, scary stuff.
Leon
Leon, unfortunately I am needed right now. 6am tomorrow another batch from Snake Valley are going to Little Desert, but I can't go. I have not qualified yet to be at the fire front. It is frustrating our Captain as he needs all the CFA people he can get!!!
Hi Ken, good on you. Don't worry your probationary period will pass quick enough, but the skills you learn are invaluable.
One of the main prioritys I found was to learn your vehicle inside and out because you always get called out at night.
Cheers
Thanks Ric.
I did do an intensive Firefighting course in the Air Force, but that was back in the 70's!!! Back in the good old days of the BCF extinguisher
Things have changes a lot since then.
Yeah, about learning the vehicle. My boys go to Junior CFA and I go too. Nothing like learning twice as much
As a member of the RFS since Nov 04, try and get on as much hazard reductions as you can... that experience is good. Stick at it: You'll find it one of the best things you can do. Keep fit too: You'll last about 10 minutes on a 40 degree day otherwise. That was about how long I lasted on new year's day in... 05/06 I think it was, before my deputy captain ordered me to sit in the air-conned truck.
Also, get a camel back. Best invention ever. Water bottles snag on things, weigh your pants down, are difficult to get out, more difficult to get in, and slow you down. Camel backs are great.
Stick at it: You'll find it one of the best things you can do.
Anthony
Stick at it??? I have only just started!!
I intend to be of assistance until they won't allow me to fight fires etc with a walking frame
Our local CFA gets a quite a few Highway Road Accident turn-outs. Not many want to do them, but I have already asked for training in that area. Gore doesn't worry me. We don't get Industrial accidents/Chemical spills out here. Just bushfire/Housefire and road accidents.
Sounds like we have a few vollies amongst us here.
The advice given here by others is priceless. Get in lots of practice, ask lots of questions no matter how silly they sound and drink heaps of water. My CAMEL is my best friend on the fireground.
Coincidentally I have just sent in my EOI for interstate deployment today. Dont take this wrong but i hope we never meet on the fireground.
