NEW YEAR’S ON FIRE
Published Date: 03 Jan 2014
Summary
The Young Witness
If a group of gatecrashers at a party north of Young didn't already understand the "fire" in "fireworks," the New Year's blaze they're suspected of starting may have helped them along.
The three men saw in the year's first moments a few kilometres along the Scenic Road, making merry at a property later attended by local police and firefighters.
Not known to other attendees, after an hour the suspects were convinced to leave, drove away but threw firecrackers from the window of their car.
Andrew Dillon, the RFS district manager for South West Slopes, was first to hear of the flames.
"It was lucky me on duty who received the call," he said. "It was just after midnight. The paddock was well alight by the time our crew arrived on the scene."
But with more than a hundred drunken party animals to contend with, firefighters like David Nicholson couldn't put the blaze to rest.
"We had to wait for police to assist us with some party revellers," he said. "We had to make sure that the scene was safe for our firefighters before we went in."
The grass fire covered around 300 square metres, scorching roadside greenery and a small section of private property.
Firefighters were concerned by the use of fireworks, illegal playthings Mr Dillon said are especially unsafe in summertime.
"This time of year fireworks, or any operation that can lead to a spark on ignition, are extremely dangerous," he said. "It's not just fireworks, but using machinery like grinders and welders in the middle of a hot, windy day is just foolish."
"If a fire starts and leaves your property, there is a risk of significant damage to surrounding property. It also puts people's lives and houses at risk."
Police attempted to gather details from attendees, but due to "the levels of intoxication" had trouble finding credible witnesses and, without new information, are unlikely to pursue matters further.
The fire danger rating for the South West Slopes was lowered to "High" from "Very High" on Thursday, with cloud cover and the possibility of light showers likely to keep it from former heights in the near-term.
