It’s been a big week for Eurobodalla firies, with crews from the shire’s south attending blazes at Potato Point and Tuross Head, as well as a big presence at the Yankees Gap fire-ground, Bemboka.
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Teams from both the Rural Fire Service (RFS) and Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) attended the Bemboka fire ground, after a blaze spread to more than 7500 hectares and destroyed three houses.
RFS community safety officer Marty Webster said more than 110 personnel from the Eurobodalla had assisted.
“That included a strike team each day, sometimes two,” Mr Webster said.
“Each strike team consists of five tankers and a lead vehicle.
“There were also volunteers from the Eurobodalla supporting the incident management team in Bega.
“They all need to be commended for their ongoing support.”
FRNSW Narooma captain Scott Dawson said they had a big week at the Bemboka fire-ground.
“We were down there from Wednesday afternoon and redeployed up until Sunday,” Mr Dawson said.
“They wanted our tanker there everyday.
“We joined a strike team to work on the fire front and property protection; you have the pumps out ready and as the fire front comes through you knock it down.”
RFS Group South 1 controller Mick Anderson said crews also worked hard at home, with a ‘fierce’ fire at Potato Point and a smaller fire at Tuross Head.
“The Potato Point fire is still under patrol, and crews continue to work the fire ground,” Mr Anderson said.
“It was fairly heavy going on Wednesday and Thursday – strong winds and some very large trees coming down - but the initial response was good with aggressive fire-fighting early on.”
He said the fire was on private property bounded by forestry.
“It’s contained now; a couple of strategic back-burns were put in. It was a massive commitment by Eurobodalla crews; Potato Point and Bodalla, support by Dalmeny and Tuross Head stations.
Mr Anderson said crews also responded to a small fire at Tuross Head on Sunday.
Mr Anderson stressed the community should by mindful of the current, very-dry conditions. He said it was also a timely reminder the RFS volunteer crews were always looking for new recruits.
“It’s not just active firefighting; there is a job for everyone. Get involved, that’s the best support you can give,” he said.