Members continue to manage fire situation

 

Over the past few weeks, CFA members from throughout the state have worked together to manage several fires and challenging conditions.

 

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan thanked all CFA members, and those from supporting agencies, who have diligently prepared communities during Catastrophic Fire Danger Ratings and aided recovery efforts.

“Our members have been tireless in the endeavours in recent weeks,” Jason said.

“Whether setting up base camps, establishing hundreds of kilometres of containment lines, working with communities post fire as well as the actions of fighting the fires, CFA members have been at the forefront of activities.

“Hundreds of members, from many different regions across Victoria have joined strike teams and supplied equipment to support the fire activity in the west of the state, as well as the earlier storm damage primarily in the east of the state.

“I also thank the firefighters from New South Wales who came across as strike teams to support us.”

The establishment of a base camp in Ballarat will remain in place for coming days as potential spikes in temperatures are monitored.

The two main fires in Victoria this week, the large and complex fireground at Bayindeen, near Beaufort, and another which broke out at Dereel late on Wednesday evening, are both under control. Ground crews, heavy machinery and aircraft have continued patrolling and blacking out.

There are also still crews at the scenes of the bushfires at Mt Stapylton and Bellfield, which are under control, constructing containment lines, with parts of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park closed for public safety.

We thank all brigades and the many staff who have supported the fire effort in West Region.

You can view some of the images below.

Although CFA remains diligent during this period, the Chief Officer reminded members of the importance of looking after themselves and each other.

“CFA has many resources available to members and their families and we encourage people to access these resources any time you need,” Jason said.

For those who think they may need additional support, wellbeing resources can be accessed through the Wellbeing Hub on Members Online or by calling 1800 959 232.



 

Submitted by	News and Media