Mateship: Young firefighters pitch in to help save Yass
Published Date: 11 Jan 2013
Summary
The Young Witness
A 'STRIKE TEAM' of five to seven rotating Young volunteer bushfire units have provided a 24 hour presence in aid of their comrades in the Yass Shire, who are still fighting a blaze that's torn through 17,000 hectares of farmland close between Yass and Bowning.
The scrub/grass fire that erupted in the 40 degree heat on Tuesday has left a trail of destruction from Jugiong to Bowning and was still (at time of publication) burning out of control 10 kilometres west of Yass. The fire is not yet fully contained and fire crews were working to establish and deepen containment lines by back burning overnight.With temperatures set to rise again today, the race has been on to get the blaze under control.
A total of 18 units were deployed from the Young district, taking firefighters from the Young RFS and Young NSW Fire and Rescue brigades to the firefront which to many living on the eastern side of Young seemed as if it was right under their noses.
There were 17 RFS units deployed from Bendick Murrell, Boara, Bribbaree, Clover Hill, Koorawatha, Maimuru, Memagong, Milvale, Monteagle, Murringo, Thuddungra, Wambanumba and Young.
Local earthmoving business, Appsolutely Earthmoving, is also providing assistance having sent in bulldozers and excavators to help fight the blaze.
"There's been no hesitation [in people helping] whatsoever," Frances Stewart from the RFS Patrol Centre in Harden said.
Local NSW Fire and Rescue captain Don Smyth said his four men joined others from taskforces in Temora and Yass in helping with residential property protection.
"They are coming from everywhere to help – they're using all the resources to get on top of it," Mr Smyth said.
NSW?RFS South West Slopes Manager Andrew Dillion said it was very fortunate the Young Shire had emerged unscathed from the "horrific" fire day.
"It was great to see the whole community be very careful and vigilant regarding avoiding activities that could cause ignition," he said.
He also commended the efforts of the volunteers who had travelled to Yass.
"Our fire fighters from Young have done great job assisting the fire down there."
With temperatures not even reaching the predicted highs of 41°C, a southerly brought in cloud and scuds of rain taking the uneasy edge off the day's highest of 39.8°C recorded high at 3.42pm.He said he'd especially like to acknowledge the Monteagle catering team for their efforts.
While a temperature drop of 13 degrees provided some relief to Young residents it will be shortlived with temperatures set to rise again today.
