Riverina RFS trucks make their way to Victoria. Photo: Hanwood RFS.
Firefighters from Hanwood, Beelbangera, Hay and Paynter Siding (near Narrandera) have had some hair-raising near misses after responding to a call for help to quell fires in Victoria.
Catastrophic fires have raged across central Victoria this past week, destroying more than 300 properties and sparking pleas for assistance across the border.
The following Rural Fire Service crew members in the Riverina answered the call:
Hanwood – Matt Gatto and Issac Lee.
Beelbangera – Stuart Shaw and Brendan Andreazza.
Hay – Jarryd Mohr and Alex Wertfein.
Paynters Siding – Michael Honour and Matthew Murphy.
Matt Gatto, Brendan Andreazza and Stuart Shaw were quick to put their hands up to help. Photo: RFS – Hanwood.
“The Victorians predicted the catastrophic fires so put in a request for us to help them, which they definitely needed due to how erratic the blazes were on the day,” Mr Lee said.
“We went down on Friday morning, leaving at 6:30 am and arrived at Euroa in Victoria to meet with strike teams from various areas.
“We were tasked to go to the town Yea to assist with the Longwood fires. Our mission was to protect homes at threat from the fires.
“It was an exhausting day; it was non-stop from the time we got there until 10:30 pm at night, where we finally got to our accommodation.”
Mr Lee said there was some desperately close calls.
“Some of our crews were in overrun situations where they got trapped by falling trees,” he said.
“They were protecting a property when they were called back into the township of Yea. On their way back an alight tree fell down on the road behind them and the fire came towards their truck. They had to enable the sprays and fire curtains that the trucks have to protect themselves.”
The 25-year-old operational officer said he was grateful to the volunteers who gave up their Friday and half their weekend.
“The volunteers don’t get paid for what they do, but they get food and accommodation,” he said.
“We were able to stay at Balgownie Estate because it was the only place available.”
The crews headed back on the Saturday morning and some have got to work on fires in the MIA.
The RFS has said smoke in towns including Griffith and Leeton is due to smoke drift from Victoria rather than fires in the local area.
“Remember that smoke from bushfires can affect people differently. NSW Health reminds people that children, older adults and people with heart and lung conditions are most susceptible to the effects of air pollution. If you have asthma or a lung condition, please reduce your outdoor activity. If you develop shortness of breath or coughing, take your reliever medication, or seek medical advice,” the RFS MIA District said in a Facebook post.
